Nursery World - Editor's view (247)

Should we be aiming for an integrated childcare workforce, where a core qualification is taken by everybody wanting to work with children of all ages, followed by training through specialist units? This is the hot topic examined in this week's Special Report (pages 10 and 11), which finds some strongly held, opposing views on the subject. While the SkillsActive Playwork Unit and the National Day Nurseries Association are working together on a project to identify commonalities in their occupational standards, Play Wales is proposing a review of the playwork values and assumptions that is firmly based in the sector being a separate entity.

Should we be aiming for an integrated childcare workforce, where a core qualification is taken by everybody wanting to work with children of all ages, followed by training through specialist units?

This is the hot topic examined in this week's Special Report (pages 10 and 11), which finds some strongly held, opposing views on the subject. While the SkillsActive Playwork Unit and the National Day Nurseries Association are working together on a project to identify commonalities in their occupational standards, Play Wales is proposing a review of the playwork values and assumptions that is firmly based in the sector being a separate entity.

Many in the playwork sector are vehemently against any joining up of the professions, believing that 'early years' and 'childcare' do not have the same values as playwork. Yet in other countries, particularly in Scandinavia, a common, higher-level qualification serves all those who work with children. Should the need to expand and improve the workforce over-ride considerations of territories and core values, especially as so many now work in both early years and playwork? Do let Nursery World know what you think about this vitally important subject.