Birmingham, often called the “second city” of the UK, places great importance on accessible and inclusive early childhood education. Following the national “Early Years Foundation Stage” (EYFS) standards ([Reference 1]), Birmingham’s local authority supports a wide range of nurseries, preschools, and childminders to meet diverse family needs.
The city actively promotes programs such as “Brighter Futures” ([Reference 2]), focusing on improving early language acquisition and narrowing attainment gaps among disadvantaged children.
Eligible children aged three and four benefit from 15 to 30 hours of free childcare per week, depending on family circumstances ([Reference 3]). Furthermore, Birmingham invests in training early years educators through initiatives like the “Birmingham Early Years Networks,” promoting continuous professional development and sharing best practices.
Given its highly diverse population, Birmingham’s early education settings emphasize intercultural understanding, special educational needs (SEN) support, and parental engagement.
As a kindergarten director, I view Birmingham’s commitment to educational equality, early intervention, and professional excellence as a model of how cities can ensure that every child, regardless of background, receives the best possible start in life.

References:

• [1] Department for Education (DfE): Early Years Foundation Stage (2024)

• [2] Birmingham City Council: Brighter Futures Programme Overview

• [3] Gov.uk: Free Childcare and Early Education Entitlements

イギリス第2の都市とも呼ばれるバーミンガムは、幼児教育へのアクセスとインクルージョンを非常に重視しています。全国基準である「初期教育基盤ステージ（EYFS）」に準じ、地域内の幼稚園、保育園、チャイルドマインダー（登録保育者）が多様な家庭のニーズに対応できるよう支援されています。
「ブライターフューチャーズ（Brighter Futures）」プログラムでは、早期の言語習得支援と、経済的困難を抱える子どもたちの学力格差是正に注力しています。
3歳・4歳の子どもたちは、家庭状況に応じて週15〜30時間の無償保育の恩恵を受けることができます。
また、「バーミンガム幼児教育ネットワーク（Birmingham Early Years Networks）」を通じて、保育者の研修や情報共有を促進し、教育の質向上にも努めています。
多文化都市であるバーミンガムでは、異文化理解、特別支援教育（SEN）、保護者との連携にも特に力が注がれています。
すべての子どもたちに平等なスタートを保証しようとするバーミンガムの姿勢は、私たちにも大きな示唆を与えてくれるものです。

In London, early childhood education is governed primarily by the “Early Years Foundation Stage” (EYFS) framework ([Reference 1]), which sets standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to age five. London’s diverse population has led to a strong emphasis on inclusion, multicultural learning, and bilingual support, particularly in boroughs like Tower Hamlets and Lambeth.
Since 2017, the UK government has provided 30 hours of free childcare per week for eligible three- and four-year-olds ([Reference 2]). Additional support, such as the “Early Years Pupil Premium” ([Reference 3]), offers targeted funding to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds catch up early.
Many London nurseries and preschools integrate Forest School principles—outdoor, nature-based learning experiences—to support physical, social, and emotional development.
As a kindergarten director, I find London’s approach noteworthy: balancing structured educational frameworks with cultural sensitivity and holistic child development. London offers a rich, dynamic model of early learning that prepares children not just academically, but for life in a global society.

References:

• [1] Department for Education (DfE): Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework (2024)

• [2] Gov.uk: 30 Hours Free Childcare Eligibility and Implementation (2017)

• [3] Early Years Pupil Premium Guidance (UK Department for Education)