Nursery World - Let's not recycle bad practice

By Wendy Scott, member of the national executive committee, OMEP (World Organisation for Early Childhood Education and Care) Many Nursery World readers are deeply concerned by the episodes of unacceptable practice shown on 'Nurseries Undercover'. It is no comfort to realise that the experiences of the children shown, and their anxious families, are not unique. As Liz Roberts points out in her editorial (19 August), the welcome expansion of provision of daycare and early education is at risk if the Government's push for quantity prevails at the expense of quality.

Many Nursery World readers are deeply concerned by the episodes of unacceptable practice shown on 'Nurseries Undercover'. It is no comfort to realise that the experiences of the children shown, and their anxious families, are not unique. As Liz Roberts points out in her editorial (19 August), the welcome expansion of provision of daycare and early education is at risk if the Government's push for quantity prevails at the expense of quality.

Evidence from other countries confirms that investment in training is crucial. Adults who work with our youngest children need to appreciate that what they do will affect children for years to come. If staff understood more of the unfolding miracle of children's development and learning, their work could be transformed from a frustrating, undervalued chore.

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