TRAINING FOR RESPONSIBILITY
I am writing in response to Maestro and Annie on 'Getting your Degree' on the online forum (www.nurseryworld.co.uk), as I was very saddened by the comments about graduates and the degree system.
I would like to remind Annie and Maestro that some of our best research and current practices have developed as a result of individuals who have undertaken degrees and doctorates and held professorships. Without their tireless efforts to reflect, review and develop practices, we would not have a focus on 'play' as the tool for learning in the early years that we have now.
Further study brings greater knowledge and understanding of good practice, as I found when, after completing my nursery nurse training, I undertook a degree.
As a trainer, I would question whether all Level 2 and 3 students have a full understanding of why things are done the way they are. At interview, I have asked various Level 3 candidates about their understanding of the National Daycare Standards, only to be told that they don't know what they are. How can we expect any staff member to deliver what they are supposed to, if they don't know what is required?
I feel saddened that Maestro will not recruit graduates into her early years setting. I think graduates have a lot to offer in terms of their theoretical knowledge and expertise, given the research they have undertaken and the academic work they have had to produce.
But like every graduate who walks out of university, they have to gain experience. This doesn't mean that they can lead a team of people straightaway; first, they have to learn to put into practice what they have learned - particularly, of course, those who have taken the A-level route to university.
While I believe that NVQ and BTec students may enter university at an advantage, given their practical experience, this does not mean that they will emerge as the best graduates. Nor does it mean that early years graduates without any vocational qualifications cannot develop into excellent practitioners.
I think it comes down to solid basic education, good training, induction and an understanding that working with children is a massive responsibility, and I am not sure that everyone is clear about how big a responsibility this actually is.
Eileen Blezard, Early years consultant and trainer, Rugby
Letter of the Week wins £30 worth of children's books
MORE HEALTH VISITORS
The Family and Parenting Institute were really pleased to see emphasis that David Cameron put on the need for more health visitors (News, 20 March).
We have been campaigning for some time to see the number of health visitors boosted and cannot stress enough the important role health visitors play in helping parents bring up their children. That's why we are encouraged to see that if the Conservatives were in Government, they would draft in more. However, we would be worried if it were at the expense of outreach workers in Sure Start Centres who, our research has shown, are essential if the most vulnerable families are to use them.
But we're not the only ones who want more health visitors. Parents do too. A majority of parents of under-fives have told us they want parenting support and advice on child health and development from a health visitor. Unfortunately, the current outlook is pretty bleak.
Mary MacLeod, chief executive, Family and Parenting Institute
OPEN THE DOORS
Recently three of our staff have completed Level 4 in less than eight months of study. We think this is a great achievement. But the 'Whistleblower' documentary (News, 13 March) regarding poor-quality provision was appalling and lets excellent settings like ourselves down in the eyes of much of the public.
We have an open-door policy, which I believe all settings should adhere to. We have nothing to hide and welcome anyone at anytime.
Patricia Angus, director/manager, Klas Children's Day Nursery, Towcester, Northants Send you letters to ... The Editor, Nursery World, 174 Hammersmith Road, London W6 7JP letter.nw@haymarket.com 020 8267 8402.
