Nursery World - In My View - Don't let go of the EYPs

John Chowcat, general secretary of Aspect, the union for educational improvement and children's services professionals

Sarah Teather's decision to remove from children's centres in the most deprived areas 'the requirement to hire someone with both Qualified Teacher and Early Years Professional status' is wrong and perverse. Wrong because it will hinder the educational and social development of children most in need. Perverse because it will cost more in the longer run.

Wrong because it will hit the morale of the growing number of qualified people already working in the sector and making an appreciable impact on children's development. Perverse because it threatens to waste their effort and the investment already in place.

Wrong because early years is where strategic investment pays the greatest long-term dividends. Perverse because the very flexibility of EYPs in upskilling the workforce and driving up standards in this critical area will be threatened.EYPs have emerged as the key specialists in this vital field with their proven professionalism in the birth-to-five age range.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included