Teachers have far too much to do to follow the curriculum nowadays to be able to give enough time to each individual pupil. If the teacher spends time with the top group then the lower group suffers, or if the teacher spends time with the lower group, then the top groups are not being pushed to their full capabilities.
But if all classes had an assistant, the pressure would be taken off the teacher and all the children would get a fairer education.
I also believe that we early years workers are underpaid. Most of us are qualified to NVQ 3 or NNEB standard and are with the children all day for the first few years of their lives, teaching them the foundations they will need in life. We put a lot into what we do and we enjoy doing it, but unless the Government starts to pay us a good wage, it is inevitable that some people won't stay in the job.
Bev Barley Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands
