(Letters, 10 November). I have ten years of childcare experience. For two years, I taught NVQ level 2 and 3 early years courses and now manage a day nursery.
When recruiting, I can see a huge difference between a BTec/ NNEB qualified and an NVQ qualified person. I struggle to understand how you can teach a person what I learned full-time for two years at college doing my NNEB, in six hours a month for two years. My conclusion is that you can't. That is why I no longer teach.
The targets mean that you sometimes have to help students with work so they can qualify. I'm sure it also happens during two- year BTec courses, but I was never helped the way I had to help students. Unfortunately, NVQ students can try repeatedly, and failure results in more help. I understand equal opportunities, but if students aren't capable or fit to work with children then they shouldn't be allowed to train. There is no recognition of any difference between people who excelled in their work and those who needed help and passed the third time round.
There are exceptions. I have two excellent NVQ qualified staff who are as good as any BTec or NNEB. I also know of some dreadful BTec and NNEB people. But in my experience, BTec and NNEB-trained people are overall the best.
The Government need to work with training organisations to ensure that high standards are kept, especially if they want a graduate-led profession.
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