Nursery World - Carers urged to join the academy

An Academy of Early Years Professionals for all individuals involved in the delivery of early years education, childcare and playwork across the UK is to be launched by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA). The Academy, due to go live in September, will be open to early years practitioners across the private, voluntary and maintained sectors, including nursery nurses, childminders, nannies, playgroup workers and teaching assistants. It aims to support them throughout their careers, from their student days onwards.

The Academy, due to go live in September, will be open to early years practitioners across the private, voluntary and maintained sectors, including nursery nurses, childminders, nannies, playgroup workers and teaching assistants. It aims to support them throughout their careers, from their student days onwards.

NDNA chief executive Rosemary Murphy said, 'An Academy of early years professionals is a development that is long overdue - 600,000 people work in the sector and if we are to raise the status of the workforce they must be treated as professionals.

'The Academy will give them that chance by formally recognising their achievements and encouraging continuous professional development. The vision for the Academy recognises that workforce development and recruitment issues cut across all areas delivering services to children, young people and families. It will strengthen and underpin the growth of the whole childcare sector, and we are actively seeking the support of the Sure Start Unit for this work.'

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