Sue explained that poverty is quite a big issue in England at the moment. In 2010, the government published a report by Frank Field. She explained that the document was named, "The Foundation Years" preventing poor children becoming poor adults and talks about they can break the circle of poor children becoming poor adults. After the publication of this report, the government introduced the two year funding. Children from families who are in the benefit system can access 15 hours free nursery (what we call child care). All children over 3 years have been able to use this funding for about 20 years.
The report also goes on to say that only nurseries that have a good or outstanding status will be able to offer families with the help they need. Children who attend settings that do not have good standards can be more harmful to a child than staying at home.
Sue explained that so far, there has not been a great uptake of this funding in this area, but some intercity areas have had a better uptake.
This was the information that Sue communicated to me regarding the issue of Poverty. I have not been able to connect again to gain any further insight on this issue, but I was pleased to have received a response!!! :)
Thank you for sharing the information that you received. It seems that England has developed a pretty unique way to handle their poverty levels, in offering a greater number of opportunities to providers offering high-quality conditions, which in turn reaps greater rewards for the families and community. It seems like a positive strategy to up the ante for everyone, and stress that hard work will bring greater benefits.
ReplyDeleteGreat information on poverty as it pertains to struggling families in England and I surely commend you for being persistent and continually targeting your professional contact as a globe exchange. Sadly too many families around the world suffer from the terrible complexities of poverty. Government agencies and national officials should be hold accountable to produce more profound resources and funding to address these ongoing adversities. Considerably “The Foundation Years” could be used as a national guide to improve the lives of so many Americans and others in poverty.
ReplyDeleteStephanie,
ReplyDeleteI know you feel overwhelmed to hear from your contacts and great information was given to you on poverty.Children develop more rapidly during the first five years of their lives than at any other time. That's why they are called the foundation years the building blocks for life! During these foundation years, children's health, maternal mental health, parenting style, learning activities and early education are all influencing factors that can make a big difference to your child's future. Great post!!!
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteWow! The information about 15 hours of free childcare and the standards they have placed on those providers really made my ears perk up. It's interesting to see a country so actively involved in providing high quality care for their children.
Machaela