Neil is the CEO of Early Years Alliance, the largest early years membership organisation in England, with over 14,000 members. Neil is often the spokesperson representing the interests of the Early Years sector in the media or in parliament. During his time at the Alliance, Neil’s called out underfunding, put educator wellbeing front and centre with the EYA’s Minds Matter report, and was involved in the successful 2013 Rewind on Ratios campaign. He has an honorary doctorate from the University of East London, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Nursery World, and an OBE for his extraordinary contribution to early years education.
Neil believes that the Early Years sector faces significant challenges, primarily due to inadequate funding. This impacts the ability to pay staff fair wages and provide quality care. Neil emphasises the critical need for "adequacy of funding", stating it would allow the sector to "pay our people a respectful wage" and "become part of the education system".
Neil's personal story highlights the profound impact of early childhood experiences on later life outcomes. He attributes his resilience and success to the love and attachment he received from his mother, despite difficult circumstances.
Neil discusses his challenging childhood, including his mother's experiences with domestic violence and mental health issues, and how this background has influenced his work in early years education. He emphasizes the importance of attachment and love in a child's development, sharing how his mother's love helped him overcome adversity. Neil's experiences have led him to hate bullying and injustice, driving his passion for advocating for children and the early years sector.
The interview reveals the persistent advocacy required to improve the early years sector. Neil describes his role in lobbying politicians and raising awareness about the sector's challenges. Neil described recent language about PVIs versus school-based settings as "damaging, ignorant", creating divisions, when quality care should be the focus regardless of setting. Neil believes we should develop initiatives to repair relationships between PVI and school-based providers.
Neil shares insights into his experiences at the Houses of Parliament, emphasizing that politicians are just people and that effective lobbying isn't always about being the loudest voice.
Neil strongly advocates for prioritising children's social-emotional development over academic skills in early years education. He argues that fostering qualities like kindness and empathy is more crucial than focusing solely on academic achievements.
Neil beleives that we should create opportunities for policymakers to gain hands-on experience in Early Years settings. Direct exposure could change perspectives on issues like ratios. Neil says, "If they worked with five 2 year olds for a day, I don't think they'd ever be talking about increasing ratios."
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