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Childcare Bill

This is the most important part of our discussion. We might have had a lengthy and sparky debate on the previous string of amendments, but to my mind learning and development is the most important issue to address. I welcome the principles of the early years foundation stage, which lays out the basis of a curriculum so that we can make clear judgments about quality, which is set against milestones. Indeed, the early years foundation stage provides opportunities. However, including the word ““taught”” means that there is a great possibility of unintended consequences. As we know, young children learn by being supported to play and by exploring the world around them. That must be reflected in the learning and development requirements. It is difficult to incorporate in the Bill the reality that children learn through play, which is why in Committee we tried to replace the word ““taught”” with ““experience””. As that was rejected, and bearing in mind the clause heading, we have redrafted the amendment to include experiencing and learning. There is a concern that we might give out wrong messages to child care practitioners. We all know that we have much work to do in upskilling the work force. With the inclusion of the word ““taught””, it will be all too easy to incorporate practices that do not generate the type of learning that we would like young children to gain at such a key phase of their development.