Our Advocacy Toolkit

Developed by Dr Nathan Archer, this toolkit highlights the power and importance of advocacy in early childhood education and care—whether through large, public efforts or the quieter everyday actions that meaningfully support children, families, and the profession. While the UK’s early years landscape has expanded over the past 30 years, recent policy decisions have brought challenges in access, funding, and workforce investment, making advocacy more vital than ever.

 

Research shows that effective advocates act with authenticity, develop critical awareness, listen deeply, challenge unfair expectations, and build collective action. This guide is designed to help early years students and practitioners recognise their unique influence, understand the ethical and political nature of their work, and strengthen the confidence and skills needed to drive change. Inspired by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation’s nested-systems Power Project, it offers practical ways to advocate at setting, local, and systems levels. Every educator has the power and responsibility to help build a fairer, more inclusive ECEC system—and, as Dr Archer reminds us, your advocacy work truly matters.