Gill is an experienced reception teacher who now works across the primary range in a support role. She discusses concerns about the National Curriculum's impact on social-emotional development in young children. She notes a shift from child-centered, in-the-moment planning to a knowledge-focused curriculum, which neglects personal, social aspects.

Gill highlights issues such as lack of early intervention support, budget cuts, and the rigid adherence to a knowledge-based curriculum. She emphasizes the importance of early intervention, nurturing relationships, and play-based learning for developing emotional resilience and social skills. Gill argues for a holistic approach that prioritizes personal, social development over academic knowledge, including work with parents.

Gills Recommended Action Items

• [ ] Advocate for a more balanced curriculum that prioritizes the development of social-emotional skills, particularly in the early years.
• [ ] Explore ways to provide more flexibility and autonomy for teachers to respond to the immediate needs of their students, even if it means temporarily deviating from the prescribed curriculum.
• [ ] Engage with policymakers and education authorities to emphasize the importance of early intervention and the need for a robust support network for families, including access to speech and language therapists, mental health services, and other resources.
• [ ] Collaborate with other schools and education professionals to share best practices and advocate for a more holistic approach to education that values the development of social-emotional skills alongside academic achievement.