Nursery World - Aspect says EYPS future is at risk

The future of Early Years Professional Status will be jeopardised unless pay and conditions are put in place to put EYPs on the same footing as teachers, the trade union for EYPs claimed this week.

The EYP section of Aspect (Association of Professionals in Education andChildren's Trusts) said that pay levels are unacceptably low and thatthere is a gulf between the Government's view that EYPs are 'graduateleaders' and the perception of their status by local authorities,teacher colleagues and potential employers.

Comments from EYPs around the country reveal a growing level ofdisillusionment, with many EYPs feeling short-changed after beingpromised a career, status and position similar to that of teachers.

Helen Willis, Aspect's national lead for EYPs, said, 'EYPs are excitedabout being EYPs and feel they can make a difference. But if we want tokeep these people, we need jobs and a platform for them to be recognisedfor their expertise. There are a huge number of (early years) jobs thatdon't advertise for EYPS.'

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