Welcome

ECA is a new alliance of early years individuals and organisations, founded with the aim of campaigning intensively in the coming weeks and months to influence the government’s final revision of England’s statutory Early Years Foundation Stage.

Who are we?

The Early Childhood Action core organising group consists of the following individuals:

Dr Richard House (Department of Education Studies, University of Winchester)
Grethe Hooper Hansen (ex-president of SEAL)
Dr Jayne Osgood (London Metropolitan University)
Sue Palmer (literacy specialist, author of Toxic Childhood)
Kim Simpson (Montessori teacher and counsellor/coach)

View fuller biographies and photos >>

Our Supporters

A galaxy of prominent people and organisations have signed up as founding supporters of Early Childhood Action, including Dame Susan Greenfield (neuroscientist), Philip Pullman, Jonathon Porritt, Michael Rosen, Dr Anthony Seldon, Penelope Leach, Steve Biddulph, Dr Rupert Sheldrake, Ed Mayo and Philip Parkin (Voice), and Professors Tricia David, Janet Moyles, Lilian G. Katz, Agnes Nairn, Barry Hymer, Andrew Samuels and Jonathan Wolff.

View full list >>

  • AGAINST ACCELERATIONISM: ableness is NOT readiness in child development, argues Richard House

    Download here >>

  • Early Intervention: Beware the Hype...

    How could anyone be critical of the ‘mom ‘n apple pie’ that is ‘Early Intervention’ – helping society’s most disadvantaged children? Perhaps, because it allows the government to avoid tackling real issues?

    Download here >>

  • 'Unhurried Pathways' - A New Framework for Early Childhood

    ECA's acclaimed Unhurried Pathways framework for early childhood, launched at the University of Winchester in October 2012 and downloadable free here

  • image

    Open Letter in Daily Telegraph
    To launch our new movement, an Open Letter appeared in the Daily Telegraph on Tuesday 7 February
    more

  • image

    Press Release - Tuesday 7 February 2012
    Introducing the Alternative Foundation Phase – A New Early Years Curriculum for England
    more

  • image

    An Invitation to Join Us
    If you agree with our broad concerns about the EYFS and are concerned about shortcomings in the government’s EYFS revision process, please email us and add your name to our rapidly growing list of supporters.
    more