In this article the author highlights the problems that have arisen from a fragmented and incoherent development of early years provision. These problems are compounded when early years education is cast in terms of ensuring children are "school ready", by which it is meant ready to be developed as human capital in a world driven by economic imperatives. The author argues that there is an urgent need for provision that is not only coherent, but much more focused on the rich and diverse needs of children in a democratic society.