Opinion

Opinion: Editor's View - Inaugural EYP event gives practitioners a voice at a crucial time

The Children's Workforce Development Council's first national event for Early Years Professionals, held last week in Birmingham and supported by Nursery World, can definitely be hailed as a success, drawing in more than 1,200 visitors for a well-organised, varied programme of seminars, networking and exhibition (see pages 24-25).

The opportunity to network with other EYPs was one of the best aspects of the day, as practitioners in the early years sector too often work in relative isolation, without feeling they are part of a larger body. Here was proof that EYP numbers are growing and that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Encouragingly, the event was not afraid to tackle some of the challenging areas of introducing EYP Status, such as pay, conditions and career development. Delegates were a lively, thoughtful bunch who were not shy to offer their opinions. What we need now is for these concerns to be taken up and acted upon. The EYP programme is at a crucial stage, with 20,000 more graduates needed. It should be given every chance of success.

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