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Petition to Nadhim Zahawi MP, Will Quince MP, Robin Walker MP
The world has changed forever. It is long past time that our education system changed too.
Everyday there are stories being printed about the impact of the Covid pandemic on our youngest children. "Children are XX months behind", "Children are not ready for school", "Children can't do this, that or the other", or the idea that families didn't do enough to support their children over lockdown. The deficit model is alive and well. Disrespectful and disingenuous to children, their families and their educators.
Educators are reporting the challenges (often in relation to communication, social and emotional learning) that they face in the classroom and the frustration at not being able to go back to the basics as they face a relentless "catch up" barrage and a pressure to formalise learning for children who are simply not ready, in a bid to "close the gap" (who defines the gap) and "catch them up (to who- pre pandemic cohorts?) The Governments response has been to offer intervention programmes to schools. However there are issue's with these catch up programmes: they require staff (who schools simply do not have) to run them (and complete the increased workload), they remove already stretched staff from the place they need to be, where they have the most impact- with children in the classroom. These programmes also remove children (quite often the youngest) from the very place they need to be- in their classroom/setting with their peers engaging in purposeful play.
We need to stop. Take a breath and consider the following: Is the truth of the matter that children are not coping in our schools? Or is in fact the school system that is not coping with the children who are within it? Is it time for change?
This petition is now 6 years old, with 50,000 supporters. The need for change is nothing new- but in 2022 it is no longer just a vision, an ideal, a dream- it is a necessity.
Our children are not lacking. However the system they find themselves thrust into at the age of 4 is.
It is time to what must be done, what has been lacking from policy for far too long. The child. Their voice. Their development. We need to begin with the child. Where they are and build from there- together- schools, parents/carers, outside agencies. What matters in the EYFS (0-5) STILL matters when children are in Year one and two- perhaps now more than ever before:
*Child development
*High quality teaching (interactions and relationships)
*A rich enabling environment which promotes holistic learning
*Play, enquiry and investigation as a powerful and creative vehicle for learning
Of course maths and literacy matter- no one who educates and cares for children would disagree- but these areas of learning require strong foundations, a bedrock to build upon- and right now the system is simply not laying these foundations- there is no time for what really matters. Instead in a "do it sooner, do it quicker" system the essential foundations are completely ignored.
Language, communication, physical development, personal, social and emotional development (the prime areas of the EYFS) as well as "how of learning" (Characteristics of Effective Learning) are the basis for everything and must be woven through ever drop of learning our children encounter- including reading, writing and maths.
The good news is that we CAN have a 0-7 curriculum with relationships, environments, play, learning and child development at its core. The early years of life do not end at age 4 or 5 even though the EYFS does. Ask anyone who is trained in early education- this crucial phase spans birth to 7. This when the developmental shift occurs and children are ready for learning to become more formal and abstract. This is why most of the worlds children starting formal schooling at 6 or 7 years old. Not before.
So... NOW is the time that we MUST
*Recognise that children are not behind and do not need catching up, we cannot speed up their development with scripts, schemes and flashcards. They have lived through the biggest crisis in our living memory and need an educational experience that reflects and respects this.
*End the Baseline, phonics screening and SATs permanently. *
*Build a curriculum based on child development, international evidence, work of EYs pioneers and their contemporaries from birth to 7.
*Put mental health, play, child development, wellbeing and relationships at the heart of the curriculum.
*Work transparently across political parties, across nations and across the sector with practitioners, academics, organisations and communities to build a transformational curriculum for all children 0-7
Let's stand together to make a change for the future. In the past it may have been a dream. Now it’s a necessity.
We the sector ask that you listen, engage and work with us to give every child the education they need. Read more
Elaine BennettSouthend-on-sea, United Kingdom
51,937 supporters
Created Feb 14, 2016
Petition to MINISTERS OF HEALTH OF THE AMERICAS
years after Alma Ata we reaffirm its principles and renew its call to action"
We, the undersigned remembered with faithfulness to its values and principles, but it should be highlighted that itsRead more
Alma Ata +40Chile
35,933 supporters
Created Aug 4, 2018
My name is Bryan Matthew Panarella, and I have been incarcerated since September of 2015. I was 23 years old when the crime had occurred. I am now currently thirty one years old and have served seven years out of my fifteen to life prison term. I have learned that a man is greater than his greatest mistake and for that reason I refuse to allow my sentence to define how I view myself. Evolved individuals learn the most about themselves when they endure life’s trials by accepting and embracing their higher self with consciousness.I authentically can say I AM ONE OF THEM.
I have recently earned 47 credits towards an Associates of Arts degree through the Bennington College PEI program. This consisted of discipline and dedication for 4 years. Due to my progressive dedication I was chosen as a volunteer in the fight against Covid-19 in 2020 by bottling and packaging hand sanitizers for the public. To my great surprise I had received a letter of gratitude from NYS Governor for my assistance.
My peers and other religious facilitators have chosen me as a director of spiritual consciousness for other incarcerated individuals. Specifically entailing a weekly spiritual gathering to which I would share cognitive tools on how to attain mindfulness and accountability. Prior to this experience I can honestly state that I was oblivious to honoring and respecting my own value. Reading, studying and a tremendous amount of personal introspective views of myself has allowed me to acquire significant humanistic tools. Unfortunately, I not only hurt myself, but my Family that continues to support and love me unconditionally through the struggle. I am quite aware how my lack of consciousness has reshaped a triad of lives. I am completely aware that my present acknowledgments will never delete the heartache reflected by my foolish actions as a follower. I am most certain that my actions of my past can not be undone, however, I am and continue to make a purposive decision to NOT EVER REPEAT erroneous actions from my past. Malcolm X had once stated, "It is not a disgrace to be a criminal, but it is a disgrace to remain one"In conclusion, I have applied these words to my life, which has allowed me to plan for tomorrow instead of just living for today. I am currently working on a poetry book, starting a maple business with my fiancé and continue to study different trades that would allow me to renovate homes upon my release. I am humbly pleading to be given a second chance to stand as an Upright Citizen in today’s society. I shall prove that childhood roles play No role in the shoes of a grown man. With this authentic expression of vulnerability I can not emphasize strongly enough how crucial your supportive signature counts. I am Most gracious for you taking the time to read what I am pledging. “For to be Free is not merely to Cast off One’s chains But to live in a way that respects And Enhances The FREEDOM of others. Nelson MandelaRead more
Nathaly JimenezGarfield, NJ, United States
279 supporters
Created Dec 1, 2022
Petition to University of Chicago President Robert J. Zimmer
widely touted “Chicago Principles”, which outline the “University’s commitment to a completely free and possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn.” These principles are widely considered support. Indeed, we look to the University of Chicago, and its famous principles, as our lodestar principles supporting the free expression of ideas. But because there are some who doubt your privileges, or have his tenure put in jeopardy. It is not enough to point to the Chicago Principles andRead more
Toby YoungUnited Kingdom
13,613 supporters
Created Nov 26, 2020
Victory!
Petition to The Honorable Pat Quinn
urging Governor Pat Quinn to show his support for the arts by adopting the Make Art Work principles.Read more
Scarlett SwerdlowChicago, IL, United States
4,339 supporters
Created Mar 11, 2013
Petition to Bruce Rauner
providers with state contracts to abide by net neutrality principles.
This would mean that in order toRead more
Michael OwensChatham, IL, United States
9,816 supporters
Created Jan 24, 2018
Candidate Principles, launched on September 13, 2022, by the Carter Center and supported by over 50. Come on, Idaho candidates!! Add your signature promising to commit to the principles and encourage your fellow candidates to do the same!Read more
Julie HopkinsUnited States
11 supporters
Created Sep 28, 2022
Petition to Donald Trump
We undersigned pledge to the above principles: · Total replacement of the Islamic regime in IranRead more
The Return Campaign of Prince Reza Pahlavi
6,840 supporters
Created Jun 6, 2018
Petition to Phil Murphy, New Jersey State House, New Jersey State Senate, New Jersey Governor
providers with state contracts to abide by net neutrality principles.
This would mean that in order toRead more
Johan AndradeNorth Bergen, NJ, United States
7,656 supporters
Created Jan 25, 2018
Petition to Professional Societies, University Administrators
those who support the principles stated in our letter to add their names here. This change.org the core principles of scientific inquiry. The full text of the open letter appears below.
Dear CACM reaffirm their core principles that:
- Scientific work should be judged on the basis of scientific meritRead more
Lev ReyzinChicago, IL, United States
822 supporters
Created Jan 27, 2021
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