Meeting in the Middle: Reflections on a Global Dialogue for Early Childhood

“There is always an alternative. We just need to meet somewhere in the middle.”

This sentiment stayed with us as we travelled to Hangzhou, China, to present at the 3rd International Conference on Early Childhood Development and Childcare at Hangzhou Normal University. It perfectly encapsulates the spirit of collaboration, curiosity, and critical dialogue that shaped our experience, and it is a reminder of what is possible when global communities come together with a shared commitment to children and families.

We were honoured to be invited as distinguished guests to present our work on A Manifesto for Early Childhood, with particular focus on the chapter I contributed, which speaks to the power of relational pedagogy, play, and children’s rights as the cornerstone of any early years system.

What made this experience truly powerful was the genuine appetite for dialogue. During our round table session, attended by over 100 delegates, with more than 1,000 across the day, we shared our research on graduate led practice and play-based pedagogy in early childhood. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with colleagues expressing shared values and hopes for a system that not only educates but uplifts.

Learning From a Global Expanding Vision

Perhaps one of the most inspiring takeaways was seeing how China is now approaching the expansion of kindergarten provision for children under three. Moving the baby house into Kindergarten. This time, it feels different. Policymakers and institutions are listening, truly listening, to academics, professionals, and those working directly with children and families.

Yes, there remains a strong economic narrative over the childcare expansion which is tied to policies encouraging higher birth rates and boosting the economy. But crucially, it is also being framed as a social good. The provision of free childcare is being extended in tandem with family support and public health services. The voices shaping policy are not just those from above, but from within communities too.

This free childcare is being introduced alongside family support and public health services, with a genuine interest in embedding relational and play-based practices.

Contrast this with the UK, where early childhood policy often feels reactive and fragmented. Childcare reform continues to be driven by short term economic goals, with little meaningful consultation with the sector. The promise of expanded entitlements has been welcomed by many families, but serious questions remain about sustainability, workforce capacity, and quality, especially in a context of underfunding, rising costs, and growing staff shortages. Similar echoes by colleagues in China.

Too often, UK policymakers speak about early education in the language of productivity and school readiness, rather than play, rights, and relationships. We urgently need to reframe the conversation and include parents, families and a need for a stronger public health approach for our children.

And this is significant. Whether in China, the UK, or elsewhere, the burden of childcare costs continues to be one of the biggest strains on family finances. A shift in perspective, towards early years systems that prioritise child development, equity, and support for families, is not only necessary but urgent.

A Global Movement for Change

Our book, A Manifesto for Early Childhood, is part of a growing movement calling for early years education that centres the child, values relational pedagogy, and upholds the right to play. That these ideas resonated on the international stage, and especially in a country actively reshaping its early years landscape, is incredibly encouraging.

This is just the beginning and we cannot wait to start our joint research project together.

Thank you to Hangzhou Normal University for the warm welcome, and for providing a platform where international perspectives can come together, learn from each other, and imagine something better.

The dialogue continues. And we’re proud to be part of it.

Get your copy of A Manifesto for Early Childhood here: https://amzn.eu/d/1eCNg3E