Childhood Ltd: How We Turned Children into Data and Why We Need to Stop

Understaffed nurseries. Endless testing. Zero tolerance behaviour policies. A children's mental health crisis and rock bottom staff morale across the sector. What has happened to education and childcare in this country, and who exactly is profiting? The current policies surrounding the lives and learning of children are not working. Too many young people are inadequately prepared for the next stage in their life and have been reduced to anonymous data points by organisations and successive governments who chase profits and league tables at the cost of developing well rounded, happy people who are able to reach their potential. In this vital and timely new book, journalist Cherry Casey lifts the lid on the problems that are engulfing the lives of our children and those who work with them. Scrutinising the various environments where children of all ages spend their days, she shines a light on those who are benefitting from the status quo and talks to the inspirational leaders and workers who are swimming against the tide and championing an approach to care and education that puts children first.