Why the UK should support a global right to early childhood education and care

As world leaders gather at the United Nations to consider a new optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), we have a powerful opportunity to advance a global commitment to a child's right to early childhood care and education (ECEC). This initiative aims to secure at least one year of free pre-primary education for every child, everywhere. It’s an important step, and one the UK should support. While our current system meets the minimum standard envisioned by the proposed treaty, we cannot ignore the inequities and barriers to access to ECEC that still exist within our own borders. Nor should we hesitate to back a global effort that would bring enormous benefits to children worldwide, especially when we have the infrastructure and experience to lead by example.