It is also believed that political pressure to put measures such as those on phonics proposed by the Rose review in the Early Years Foundation Stage (see p6) has contributed to Ms Staggs' decision. One early years expert told Nursery World, 'She can't do the job she was appointed to do.'
The national director's post was advertised in the Times Educational Supplement on 9 December. The closing date for applications is 20 January and the salary is up to 80,000.
A spokesperson from Capita, which has the National Strategies contract, confirmed that Ms Staggs would leave in February.
The appointment of Ms Staggs to the newly-created role of Foundation Stage director in October 2003 was warmly welcomed by the early years sector. In April last year a group of 12 early years experts were appointed as regional Foundation Stage directors reporting directly to her.
However, a job notice on the National Strategies website says that 'a new regional structure' has been set up, and it is believed that the regional Foundation Stage directors will no longer report to the national director.
From 1 January Paul Wag-staff takes up the position of national director, Primary and Foundation Stage. He will lead a team of senior directors, including the new national director of the Foundation Stage.
Commenting on Ms Staggs' resignation, Anne Nelson, director of Early Education, said, 'Lesley has made a tremendous contribution to the status of early years in her national posts. Her knowledge of young children and her wisdom have enhanced the training opportunities and materials that support practitioners. She has supported the sector through a period of massive expansion and has always kept quality at the heart of her work.
'I know that Lesley feels that she can best support the early years sector by leaving her present post and working as an independent consultant. I am delighted that we shall continue to benefit from her skills and talents.'
Early years specialist Wendy Scott said, 'Lesley has built up an increased understanding of what the Foundation Stage means, and we acknowledge the tremendous effort that has been put into her work.'
A DfES statement praised Ms Staggs' 'tremendous contribution' to the development of early years strategy at a national level.
