hypochondriac

Now this I will have to disagree with you on the strongest terms. Not sure what you mean by the status of early years workers. My point was that ensuring that children are cared for, shown love, compassion, looked after properly, allowed to try things and fail etc etc should be the most important goal that we as a society has since there is no doubt that it is these factors that directly effect children as adults. There is no doubt that there are a number of factors that contribute to life chances but there are any number of studies (as well as my own experience) that conclusively show that there is a direct correlation towards effective childcare and a secure childhood and someone's outcomes in later life.

Well said...

Hopefully I've outlined some of what I think there. I mostly didn't say much at the start because living and working where I do, I am obviously heavily biased towards rejecting the current government crusade. I see children and their learning on a daily basis so I have actual experience and know what works best for children. I am worried because I think career politicians with no experience of childcare are deciding what is best for our children. I am concerned by this because I recognise the clear correlation between achievement and wellbeing from a young age and then subsequent achievement and wellbeing in later life. As someone has already said, school readiness is code for forcing children to conform as soon as possible. School readiness is designed to kill creativity, individualism and force a child into an adult world before they have even started to be children. This approach goes against the vast majority of studies and is not supported by anyone with any experience of working in Early Years (that I know of). I would suggest that anyone who has not done so watches this video as it says a lot:

O rly? What in your mind is the difference

It's the job of the nursery to work in partnership with parents to reinforce skills and values from home. It's not the easiest thing in the world but you get used to it!

Your comments fly in the face of all research on the subject. Scandinavians are freed because their early years workers are trusted as professionals to look after the children on an individualised basis, tailoring any 'learning' to each child and allowing them to come to concepts such as mathematics on their own rather than being forced to learn concepts whether they want to or not from an earlier and earlier age. Interestingly I am showing a Swedish nursery owner around today and she has expressed similar thoughts (albeit she says it is going more the way of the UK depressingly.) if you do have an interest in the subject, then I would suggest reading any articles from the brilliant Alistair Bryce clegg who has his finger on the pulse regarding these matters.

The reason for the success in Scandinavia is down to two things. Firstly they recognise the value in early years education and trust their staff as professionals to look after their children without inspection regimes and without an early years curriculum. Staff here are undervalued by the government who never takes a long term view. Investing properly in children from the earliest ages will save millions in later life through antisocial behaviour levels, NHS bills etc etc but this is never recognised. Secondly Children spend their days learning through play and looking at things they are interested in. Children are then excited when they start school and a love of learning is fostered naturally and not rammed down children's throats. The answer is never school readiness, but making children ready for life and an absolutely huge part of this is allowing children to be children not forcing them into the uniformity and greyness of the school regime at an earlier age.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-26853447 comments out today by Michael Wilshaw, the chief inspector of Ofsted who says that nurseries are not preparing children for school. He wants a greater emphasis on structures learning, the removal of learning through play and the notion of free-play and the introduction of school-based nurseries. This view concurs with the current government thinking headed by Elizabeth Truss who believes in the "schoolification" of early years and an overhaul of the ratio system so that more highly qualified staff can look after a much greater number of children. These approaches would put us more in line with France and differ greatly from other European nations such as Sweden and Finland where they have no formal Early Years education and do not start school until they are seven in many cases. As someone who has a vested interest in these findings and who has strong opinions, I would be interested in your views on this. Should we be supporting the government in this? The inspector recognises quite rightly that the Early Years sets children on a path for life and so it is vital to concentrate resources to Early Years at it will save us money in the long term. I would love to hear your thoughts.

That's a very good point actually and one I'm inclined to agree with. No going back now though unless there is a big crash.

I suspect he said something about not meddling in the affairs of others. I don't know though as I don't know where that is from.

Almost certainly taken out of context. I'm sure that comment was qualified.

Nigel is currently the only political leader who is listening to the man on the street and who stands up for what the British people want. That's why he is doing so well.

27 percent think clegg won. Says it all.

Yep. I'm only persuaded when people make a persuasive argument. Simply attacking farage does nothing to change my mind. Farage destroyed him.

He was clearly talking in the context of Cortese being visionary with regards to monochrome badges and shirt design. That notion is ludicrous.

So what you are saying is that the reason people want fourth is that there is an increased chance of a cup run in the future? Why not just take the cup option in this hypothetical scenario instead? I don't understand the logic there. If we win the cup it would be remembered and treasured for decades. Finishing fourth is a footnote by comparison.

Where do these people come from? I can honestly say I have met hundreds of saints fans and not a single one shares this view. If you genuinely hold that opinion then you have my sympathy.

Seriously does anyone really want to finish fourth over winning a cup? If that is the case then I pretty much give up with football. Sky has won.

What a visionary businessman Cortese was. He was so great that he increased our commercial income to 6 million!

This basically. Talk is cheap and I don't give a toss about finishing fourth, I want a trophy.

So which bit did you disagree with then? It's clearly a sentiment shared by katherina and I suspect quite a few sfc fans.

What part of calling promotion "a great achievement that should be applauded and which made a huge difference financially" would you consider faint praise.

Guess you disregard my previous posts on this thread then? And the numerous other times I have given him credit where it was due? Problem is, sycophants like saint86 just come across as deluded and it's quite sad.

Thank goodness he has gone and clowns like saint86 will be forced to move on soon enough.

The golden paint pots is the best one of recent years.