Like the vast majority of my colleagues nationwide, I am burnt out. I am exhausted from trying every day to keep children safe while others are violent, to meet the needs of children with complex medical backgrounds without 1:1 support, to nurture children despite feeling worthless as a staff member, and to attempt to advance learning while constantly dealing with behavioral challenges.

 Enough is enough. We cannot continue like this.

Early Years settings are in crisis. Children with additional support needs require 1:1 attention throughout their time in nursery to truly thrive and reach their potential. Without dedicated support, these children—and their peers—suffer, as do the staff striving to create a safe and nurturing environment. The current situation is unsustainable and detrimental to everyone involved.

Moreover, staff in these settings are overworked and undervalued. We need time away from direct childcare duties to complete essential paperwork without compromising the quality of care each child receives. This balance is critical to maintaining the high standards deserving of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens.

Furthermore, it's crucial to reevaluate the allocation of the 1140 hours of government-funded childcare. Prioritizing these hours for working parents would ensure that resources are directed towards families who rely on this support to maintain employment. Such a policy change could also free up additional hours that can be reallocated to address the acute need for higher staffing ratios and special support for children who need it most.

I urge policymakers to take immediate action to support Early Years education more effectively. Reassess resource allocation, ensure proper staffing ratios, and provide the necessary time for staff to perform all aspects of their roles effectively. It’s time to reinvest in our Early Years settings to ensure all children, especially those with additional support needs, get the start in life they deserve.

Sign this petition to call for meaningful changes that will benefit children, families, and staff alike. Your support is crucial to making Early Years education the best it can be for everyone involved.