...the Government's command? Mahrukh Choughtai spoke to a cross-section of those working at the frontline of the early years sector to find out what is on their wish-list for care and education in 2003
The past year has seen a continuation of the never-ending stream of childcare initiatives - not least the Government's cross-cutting review, Delivering for children and families. This was probably the most definitive statement on childcare we have had, or are likely to have, for some time. The review aims to double spending on childcare by 2005/06, with a further 250,000 childcare places by that year; to provide help to lower- and middle-income families through the new streamlined tax credit system to be introduced next April; and to set up children's centres in the 20 per cent most disadvantaged areas - although as yet there are no clear details on what form these will take or how they will be funded. The single inter-departmental unit planned by the review, which brings together responsibility for childcare, early years and Sure Start, was launched last month.
The Department for Education and Skills has also funded new guidelines for early years practitioners working with the under-threes entitled Birth to Three Matters, which was two years in the making, and is now being distributed free to settings. This summer reception class teachers will have to grapple with the replacement for Baseline Assessment - the Foundation Stage Profile. And the jury is still out on the home childcarers scheme, whereby parents can claim tax relief for registered childminders working in their homes but leaving nannies, it seems, still out in the cold.
So where to in 2003? Some of those working in early years set out their wishes as follows.
Jennie Lindon
Child psychologist
I would like to see more integration. There have been exciting changes over the past year and thoughtful teams have brought this together. But I feel the national system still works as though early education is separate to childcare, and that is a lost opportunity. I would also like to see more recognition of the early years, especially the under-threes, as this time is a real basis for later learning.
Stephen Burke
Daycare Trust director
2002 was an exciting year for childcare - a new vision, new resources and new plans from Government for delivering better services for children and families. I hope that 2003 will see that vision start to become a reality with children's centres and more family- friendly working. Daycare Trust will be raising the voices of parents through new projects and research in our campaign for childcare for all.
Penny Tassoni
Early years trainer and author
In a perfect world I would like to end the routine 'testing' of our young children in order to provide information for bureaucrats who in turn talk about performance related pay and target setting.
While it is good to learn about individual children's strengths and even areas where they may need additional help, I am concerned that we are in danger of not only labelling and therefore disadvantaging children but also creating a climate where academic success is thought to be the only success worth valuing.
Tina Bruce
Honorary visiting professor at the University of North London
It would be good to see every maintained nursery school become a children's centre or extended school, the Foundation Stage embedded so children in reception have their entitlement, and the new Birth to Three Matters implemented in both home and group settings. I would also like to see a national 'Birth to Six' director appointed in line with the primary national director and Key Stage 3 director. If we can get these things in place that would be wonderful.
Judith Tubb
Manager, Westfield Day Nursery, North Yorkshire
I would like it to be possible for us to charge late payers interest. The Government has recently introduced legislation that broadens the ability to charge interest for debts that are not paid on time, but only if the debtor is another commercial operator.
We allow our customers to change sessions at the last minute - making it too difficult to operate a direct debit payment system. Instead customers are given a bill each month. The result? A clutch of unpaid accounts every month and problems with cash flow. It would be so much easier if we could legitimately charge interest as soon as the bill was a month overdue.
Linda Middleton
Playworker of the Year
I want people to recognise that playworkers have to follow the rules and guidelines to the national standards as requested by Ofsted - we are not just babysitters.
As with any childcare career, playworkers have lots of different qualities to offer children and we have a wide age range to cover. But most of all it is a fun job to have if you get down to the children's level and play.
Debbie Ferguson
Manager, Willows Day Nursery, Aylesbury, Bucks
I would like to see more good quality staff. I don't know whether or not it's because there are a lot of nurseries in the area but we have had a problem recruiting in the past. Advertisements have not been well received and it's been a challenge finding people with high standards, experience and good qualifications.
Denni Morrison
Lecturer in childcare and psychology, Hertford Regional College
At the college we would like to have more time to be able to teach the students properly. Instead of jumping through hoops and governing bodies, we would like there to be a more practical approach to childcare education. We feel it is too academic for the level of students we are getting in. It's all well and good learning about observation and assessment, but we need more time for the hands-on stuff.
Debbie Elliff
Owner, Little Masters and Misses nanny agency
I would like to see the Government bring in more tax incentive support. Parents would like to employ more qualified and experienced nannies but they find they cannot afford them.
There are not many after-school nannies around at the moment as the job involves only a few hours a day with considerably less pay. As an agency we are hoping to recruit more after-school nannies through an extensive advertising campaign next year.
Debbie Tilley
Teaching assistant, West Midlands
My personal hope for 2003 is to begin the Graduate Teacher Programme so that one day I will be able to do the job 'my way'.
My hope for teaching assistants is that we finally get a salary that recognises our contribution to 'excellence for everyone', rather than being told how invaluable we are. There is a real chance to make a difference to the way in which classroom support is used with the Government's new remodelling plans. This will only be brought to fruition if it is implemented nationally and not just left to local authorities to try to do their best with it.
Mary Dickins
Independent early years consultant
If I had three wishes for 2003 they would be for early years practitioners to be recognised and valued for the important job they do; for disabled children and their families to receive sustainable services and the opportunities that will enable them to thrive; and for the contribution of the voluntary sector to be acknowledged and celebrated because of the exceptional gifts it can bring.
Stephen Vahrman
Nannytax
I would like to see the Government make provision to regulate nannies under Ofsted, in the same way as other forms of childcare, provide tax credits for parents employing them, and accomplish this without shying away from using the word 'nanny'. Due to ridiculous political sensitiveness, nannying is fast becoming the profession that dare not speak its name and, in the absence of tax breaks, highly educated career women with children are being deterred from rejoining the workforce, at enormous cost to the economy.
