Why British nurseries should not copy French ones
ELIZABETH Truss the Education Minister warns that our toddlers are running riot at nursery, indulging in free play without purpose and failing to sit quietly as French infants do, greeting incoming adults politely while focusing on constructive activity.
A batch of early years specialists told me she’s got it badly wrong. French parents are envious of our lively and independent children.
British nurseries plan every hour meticulously but so subtly that toddlers don’t realise they are being directed. Frightening parents while undermining nursery teachers and simultaneously promoting the French to a position of superiority while denigrating British performance is a considerable feat.
It might, however, turn out to be an achievement Ms Truss will come to regret.