Working with My MP to Advocate for the PVI Sector and ECEC Profession

With over two decades of experience in daycare settings, transitioning into consultancy was an eye-opener. It became clear how similar the challenges faced by daycare providers and childminders are. The Private, Voluntary, and Independent (PVI) sector lacks sufficient representation, and the voices of professionals working within it are often overlooked. Their daily struggles are frequently undermined due to a lack of advocacy from professionals who understand these challenges firsthand.

The thought of stepping into an advocacy role initially scared me. Yes, I was afraid. But at a certain point in my career, I told myself, “What must be done should be done.” We must act! Professionals working in daycare settings and childminding need a voice.

• We must advocate for sustainable early learning provision.

• We must push for efficiency and effectiveness in our sector.

• We must embrace transformative pedagogy.

• We must implement culturally responsive practices.

• We must ensure the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is effectively applied.

There are countless critical issues at the practice level that require urgent attention. By drawing on my experiences as a TACTYC trustee, I have taken steps to advocate for policies, initiatives, and practices that genuinely support early years providers in the PVI sector. My ultimate goal is to ensure they can deliver high-quality education with meaningful, lasting impacts on the children in their care.

In this blog, I share how I collaborated with my local MP, Danny Beales, to raise awareness about the challenges faced in practice. Policy changes significantly affect the PVI sector, and by working closely with local providers, we are exploring different ways to strengthen support and representation in our constituency. Sharing the TACTYC manifesto with  my  MP is already a step forward. Having an MP who listens and cares about community-driven initiatives gives us hope that we are making progress.

What must be done, we are doing it!

Sharing My Research with My MP

As a resident of Uxbridge, I reached out to my MP to share insights from my research on Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), research that I believe is particularly relevant to our constituency. My work includes:

• "Bridging Cultural Gaps in Early Childhood Education and Care: Strengthening Parent-Practitioner Partnerships to Support Minority Children's Success"

• "Leveraging Lived Experience for Transformative Pedagogy in Daycare Settings"

These articles highlight pressing challenges in the sector and propose actionable solutions focused on inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and educational excellence. Given the MP position in Parliament, I emphasized the importance of acknowledging and addressing these issues. I firmly believe that his advocacy could help drive change and ensure that our community leads the way in providing equitable opportunities for all children.

Sharing TACTYC’s Manifesto with My MP

I had the privilege of sharing the TACTYC manifesto with the new MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Danny Beales, alongside Dr. Viki Veale, the chair of TACTYC, Toyin Balogun, Area manager for the Coat of Many Colours Nursery, Uxbridge, Hayes and Hounslow. 

During the visit, we walked Danny through the realities of funding challenges, an undervalued workforce, and limited access to quality services; issues that early years providers face daily. We highlighted how these challenges impact children, families, and ECEC professionals alike.

We also emphasised the unique role that daycare settings play in Early Childhood Education and stressed the importance of amplifying their voices at both local and national levels.

It was truly encouraging to engage with an MP committed to listening to and supporting the PVI sector. We deeply appreciate his willingness to engage with and advocate for early years professionals in Uxbridge. Even more exciting was his openness to the idea of establishing a dedicated forum for the sector, a move that could strengthen our community and ensure that the needs of local providers are addressed more effectively.

Attending the Funder’s Fair

To build on this collaboration, I took another step forward by attending a Funder’s Fair organized by my MP. The event was designed to bring together charities and organizations to network and explore funding opportunities.

At the fair, I had the chance to engage with key funding bodies, including:

• The Football Association

• Heathrow Community Fund

• The Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce

• The National Lottery Community Fund

This event was a fantastic opportunity to foster community connections, promote collaboration, and create information channels for funding opportunities. It also provided valuable insights into funding protocols and support systems available for the PVI sector.

Reflecting on This Experience

One of my biggest takeaways from this journey is the importance of persistence and patience. Advocacy is a long road, but aligning efforts with an MP’s priorities and building community support can significantly strengthen our impact.

For those looking to advocate for ECEC in their own constituencies, I encourage you to:

• Reach out to your MP, share research, insights, and real-life experiences.

• Utilize available resources to educate policymakers on the challenges facing ECEC.

• Join relevant networks to connect with professionals who share your passion for change.

• Make the information relatable and solution-focused because policymakers respond best to practical, evidence-based proposals.

Through collective action, we can ensure that ECEC receives the recognition and support it truly deserves.

Together, we can make a difference!

Joelle Feudjo-Maneze