Today, I have been in Paris to learn more about the early years sector in France. I had a great start to the day with British Ambassador Menna Rawlings where we discussed the importance of supporting parents and children.
The early years sector in France has been through major reform in the last few years and I'm looking forward to hearing from those working in the sector about the impact that these changes have had.
My next meeting was a lunch hosted by the UK Ambassador to UNESCO Laura Davies, with leaders from across the French early years sector. We discussed the importance of early education, the similarities and differences between our two systems and how we can learn from each other.
We know that keeping active is such an important part of a young person’s development. It was great to meet Jean-Phiippe Acensi to learn more about how APELS supports young people to build skills and find employment through sport.
In the afternoon, I visited Crèche Visconti and Saint-Benoit pre-primary school to learn more about the French early education system from staff, members of the education inspectorate and the local municipality.
Childcare in France is available for children aged 0-3 before formal education begins from 3-6. It was useful to see the positive impact of a rich curriculum filled with music and art. Particular thanks to the pupils who performed God Save the Queen.
Finally, I visited Multi-Acceuil Jardins, a crèche in Paris. I heard about the support this setting gives to childminders, a group I am looking to grow and increase support for in England.