The recent DfES Children's Workforce strategy document sets out the need for children's workers who are competent and confident, who can work across many services and have respected careers. In many European countries, pedagogy and its worker, the pedagogue, does just this.
The somewhat controversial term pedagogy is still fairly unfamiliar in the UK and off-putting to some, with many in the early years sector preferring 'early years professional'. But pedagogy is worth considering and, whatever the title, the actual role is what's important.
In countries such as Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany and The Netherlands, it provides a cohesive conceptual framework that underpins theory, policy, education and training, and professional work with children and young people across all sectors.
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