Regarding the article about Alan Bentley (News, 17 May) wanting to set up a new trade association so that he and the huge nursery chains can speak with 'one voice' that will be heard by the Government, I agree with Purnima Tanuku of the National Day Nurseries Association. We do not need another group to be set up. What we need are more nurseries and owners, whether they are private or corporate, to join the NDNA. By increasing membership numbers, attending regional meetings, and continuing to build on what has been achieved so far, we shall be more able to influence Government, as well as be taken more seriously. Carolyn Greenwood, Greenwood Day Nursery, West Bridgford, Nottingham Why training matters As the latest Learning to Learn research (News, 24 May) reveals that infant pupils understand the process of learning, it is paramount to maintain and increase the momentum of recruitment and training in the early years sector in order to optimise child development at this age.
Regarding the article about Alan Bentley (News, 17 May) wanting to set up a new trade association so that he and the huge nursery chains can speak with 'one voice' that will be heard by the Government, I agree with Purnima Tanuku of the National Day Nurseries Association. We do not need another group to be set up. What we need are more nurseries and owners, whether they are private or corporate, to join the NDNA. By increasing membership numbers, attending regional meetings, and continuing to build on what has been achieved so far, we shall be more able to influence Government, as well as be taken more seriously.
Carolyn Greenwood, Greenwood Day Nursery, West Bridgford, Nottingham Why training matters As the latest Learning to Learn research (News, 24 May) reveals that infant pupils understand the process of learning, it is paramount to maintain and increase the momentum of recruitment and training in the early years sector in order to optimise child development at this age.
It is clear the development of children at this stage is increasingly being recognised as a critical learning juncture. As such, the emphasis on providing the sector with appropropiately qualified practitioners and training to support this is key.
It is crucial that qualifications such as EYPS stress the importance of understanding and developing personalised learning strategies, underpinning the Foundation Stage curriculum.
Identifying individual learning patterns has been at the centre of school debate for some time, and with the Campaign for Learning's important new findings, how teachers are addressing this has utmost significance.
The school system needs to allow teachers adequate time and training to adapt their style to unique pupil working patterns and speeds.
Peter Flannery, managing director, Select Education, Luton, Bedfordshire
