Publication of the Nutbrown review of early years qualifications raises yet again the difficult tensions between providing childcare that is both affordable and accessible and of high quality.
There is no easy solution without government subsidy as high-quality childcare raises the costs of delivery.
Most experts agree with Professor Cathy Nutbrown that training should last at least two years and be at Level 3 (equivalent to A-level). All children deserve a good start, not least because, as research consistently shows, such children have a more fulfilled childhood and are more likely to find sustainable employment when older.
Research evidence is pretty conclusive on the questions of training, staff ratios and group size. A meta-analysis of international research, by the Thomas Coram Research Unit at the Institute of Education, showed how all three "have a direct impact on the ability of staff to provide sensitive, responsive care for children."
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