I, too, believe that if the Government is not careful we are going to lose our already diminishing Level 3 qualified staff. The article on the Transformation Fund ('Special report', 7 December) highlights what we as professionals are crying out for.
We need to invest in our Level 3 staff and continue to support them and guide them into developing their skills on an ongoing basis, instead of putting pressure on them to undertake a foundation or full degree while working full-time.
The Transformation Fund along with the quality premium should be made available to all settings who require their staff to be trained to Level 3 and beyond.
Julie Kent hits the nail on the head when she says, 'A degree is not the only route to achieving quality for young children. Experience, patience, tolerance, understanding and kindness are all needed.'
It's about time our voices are heard loud and clear before we have an even bigger recruitment crisis on our hands.
Judith Baxter, St Mary's Nursery, Hexham, Northumberland
