The Forum believes that childhood is the most crucial stage of life and has immense potential for growth or for harm. It is therefore essential to value all young children and their families equally, and essential to invest in supporting them. The Forum originated in January 1993 and continues to meet regularly on a national basis. Principles Children s learning Learning is a process of development through interaction and experience which begins before birth.
Parents are the most important people in the care and education of their children.
All children from 0-8 should have access to a culturally and developmentally appropriate curriculum which promotes learning and development of their understanding, dispositions, skills and knowledge. In the spirit of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, all children are entitled to participation, provision, play and protection. A partnership approach driven by an understanding of mutual rights and responsibilities is essential in all aspects of service delivery for young children. A full range of provision should be available in all local authority areas for children with special educational needs. Policy, procedure and practice should be anti-discriminatory, challenge stereotypes, and value cultural and physical diversity.