Episode 1 - The Early Years

Have you ever wondered why some children excel academically while others struggle? In this episode, we explore the critical importance of early years education, from birth to junior school, which many experts consider the most critical time for young people's development and learning.We take a close look at the lives of one family in Whitehawk, a council estate on the outskirts of Brighton, and how their experiences in the formative years could potentially have a profound impact on every aspect of their lives.To provide a broader understanding of the challenges facing early years education, we are joined by a diverse range of guests.Rapper, broadcaster, campaigner and Orwell Prize winning author Darren McGarvey; Thomas McMorrin, headteacher at City Academy Whitehawk; Professor Diane Reay, Cambridge academic researcher and higher education teacher; Dr Sarah Leaney from the University of Brighton; Celia Greenwood is one of the co-founders of the WAC Arts Organisation; Dr Chris Bagley, educational psychologist and former teacher; Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union.Class Divide was written and produced by Curtis James. The executive producer is Eve Streeter. Location recording, sound design, post production and mixing is by Simon James, with editorial support by Carlie Goldsmith.Music in the series was kindly donated by Salvatore Mercatante, Traams, Shida Shahabi, Max de Wardener, Simon James, Clarice Jensen, Polypores, Toydrum, and Shopping, Olivier Alary, Maaja Nuut, Rumm, Neil Hale, Minor Pieces, Rutger Hoedemaekers Thank you to Fat Cat Records, Castles in Space.The series was funded by Necessity. If you'd like to supprt the Class Divide campaign follow on Twitter and Instagram, or visit the website, classdivide.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.