Nursery World - Proposed Government changes to childcare qualifications spark concern about 'de-professionalisation' of the workforce'

Early years organisations, experts and consultants are worried that Government proposals on changes to early years qualifications, outlined in a consultation launched today, could lower standards and ultimately, the quality of care.

The sector is concerned about proposed changes early years qualifications such as the move to make only managers hold a maths qualification, PHOTO: Adobe Stock

The plans on changes to qualifications and ratios being consulted on include:

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said it was ‘hard to shake the feeling that many of the proposals have nothing to do with quality and everything to do with a desperate attempt to boost workforce numbers ahead of the 30-hours offer expansion.’

He warned that there is ‘a real risk that they will result in a de-professionalisation of the workforce at a time when the need for quality care and education is as high as it’s ever been.’

National Day Nurseries Association’s chief executive Purnima Tanuku said that any changes to the EYFS ‘must not undermine quality for practitioners and the children attending settings.’

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