The Government is funding places for three- and four-year-olds and helping parents with tax credits, which is great, but where are the nurseries'
human resources for the demand?
I have staff studying for their NVQs and a great mixture of staff ranging in age from 18 to 63. At the moment I am looking for a qualified member of staff for my pre-school room. I have tried local advertising, national advertising and staff agencies, all to no avail. They are all saying that there is a shortage of qualified staff.
My immediate requirement is for a trained person to cope with the demands of a pre-school room. I feel that the Ofsted requirements for pre-school requires a certain standard of education, but I am increasingly finding that people who have this standard go on to further study or better paid jobs. I have spoken to other nursery managers who are finding the same problems, but they do not seem to be addressed.
Very soon parents will be unable to gain places for their children due to the lack of staff. With the introduction of wraparound care, where does the Government think everyone will get staff from?
I really feel that the powers that be are very short-sighted to offer free places for all three- and four-year-olds without any thought as to who will be looking after the children.
I am waiting with bated breath for the news headlines to say there is a shortage of nursery staff - will the Government look surprised?
Childcare is not an easy option and its status is totally undervalued. Any Government with a genuine interest in children and childcare would be working in partnership with providers and addressing staff shortages and unrealistic low pay. Is all this funding really for political votes?
Name and address supplied
