Nursery World - Lack of action threatens Early Years Teacher Status

Frustrated university lecturers have said inaction by the Government over Early Years Teacher Status risks the loss of a graduate-led workforce in the sector.

It is more than a year since the Early Years Workforce Strategy promised a consultation on allowing Early Years Teachers (EYTs) to lead nursery and Reception classes in maintained primary schools, as well as other measures aimed at boosting the dwindling number of graduates.

But the Department for Education is now not planning on holding any consultations on the strategy, Nursery World understands, while a recent review of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) made no mention of Early Years Teacher Status.

Sue Wilcockson, partnership co-ordinator at the University of Derby, said, ‘If we are not careful there won’t be an EYT qualification any more.’

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