Quite rightly, 'quality' has become a buzzword among practitioners and policy makers alike and, in recent years, the sector has made great strides. In settings, a number of factors impact upon quality - everything from the size and accessibility of premises to the level of parental involvement.
But at the heart of all good children's services is the knowledge and experience of the adults who work within the sector. The link between quality early years learning and the people who provide it is widely acknowledged.
The Pre-school Learning Alliance has long argued that continuity of care is crucial to a child's development in the early years and that this is often undermined by the fluctuating nature of the childcare workforce. That is why the latest phase of our campaign, 'Changing lives, Changing life' seeks to address the challenge of training and retaining a skilled, motivated workforce.
So, what can be done? Numbers are an issue, with an estimated 180,000 new recruits required. Pay is always a factor in attracting new entrants to the childcare, when other less skilled jobs seem more financially appealing.
But the challenge is much greater than simply investing more in the short term. The sector needs a national framework, similar to other public sector professions, that recognises and supports a range of routes to qualifications and demonstrates proper career progression for all.
The Alliance has something unique to offer. For more than 40 years we have been working with parents, engaging them in their children's education and supporting them with their own learning. Many early years workers began their careers in childcare as parents of children attending a setting.
We need to continue to unlock this potential and support all in the sector to develop and work towards qualifications. Only then will we ensure quality for generations of children to come.
