Nursery World - Stick this solution to staff crisis

I think it's a real shame that Britain is having to look further afield for childcare workers (News, 10 January). I knew it would only be a matter of time, as it has happened already with the nurses, teachers and social workers. In this country the only people who see childcare as a fulfilling and attractive vocation are those already in it. While those working in childcare settings are so blatantly undervalued, few people will want to join the profession. Training needs to be both of a good quality and flexible for those wishing to undertake it, for being a full-time student isn't cheap.

In this country the only people who see childcare as a fulfilling and attractive vocation are those already in it. While those working in childcare settings are so blatantly undervalued, few people will want to join the profession. Training needs to be both of a good quality and flexible for those wishing to undertake it, for being a full-time student isn't cheap.

But my biggest concern is that childcare staff being employed from abroad, although well qualified, may not be equipped to work with the diverse cultures, races and other backgrounds of the children that attend the various childcare facilities in this country.

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