Ethics in the Early Years: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

By Dr. Aaron Bradbury

At a time when politics, public opinion, and professional practice are colliding, the need for strong ethical foundations in the early years sector has never been greater

Ethical practice has always been at the heart of early childhood education. It is the invisible thread that holds together trust, integrity, and professionalism in a sector that cares for society’s youngest children. But in the current climate of political division, public scrutiny, and rapid change, the importance of upholding ethical standards has never been more urgent.

The early years profession rests on trust. Parents and carers place their children into the care of practitioners with the belief that they will be nurtured, protected, and respected. This trust is fragile, and it can be quickly undermined if settings are perceived to act in ways that compromise neutrality, fairness, or the primacy of children’s best interests.

Recent debates within our sector have highlighted just how complex this landscape has become. When organisations or leaders are seen to align with divisive narratives, or when commentary blurs the line between professional responsibility and political positioning, questions of impartiality and integrity inevitably follow. In these moments, we are reminded that ethics are not an optional extra or a vague aspiration; they are the compass by which we navigate difficult decisions and public accountability.

At the centre of this conversation are children’s rights. Young children cannot choose their settings or evaluate political narratives. They rely entirely on adults to protect them, to create spaces that are inclusive, safe, and respectful of difference. Ethical practice ensures that their environments are not compromised by agendas that do not serve their best interests. At the same time, families expect and deserve clarity and transparency from the organisations they trust with their children.

Practitioners also carry the responsibility of modelling values. Children and families learn as much from what we do as from what we say. By demonstrating respect, fairness, compassion, and integrity in both practice and communication, educators provide living examples of the values we want to nurture in the next generation. This becomes even more significant in a world where public discourse is increasingly polarised and young children are growing up surrounded by conflicting messages.

The sector faces undeniable pressures, underfunding, workforce shortages, and policy reforms that often prioritise quick wins and measurable outcomes. Yet it is precisely at moments like these that ethics matter most. Upholding a rights-based, principled approach helps ensure that decisions remain focused on children’s wellbeing, rather than being swayed by political or institutional convenience.

This is a timely reminder that our words, actions, and decisions carry weight far beyond the walls of nurseries and early years classrooms. They shape public perceptions of our profession and, more importantly, they impact children’s lives. Ethics must therefore remain our guiding compass, guiding us to act with integrity, clarity, and courage.