Sarah Teather's decision to remove from children's centres in the most deprived areas 'the requirement to hire someone with both Qualified Teacher and Early Years Professional status' is wrong and perverse. Wrong because it will hinder the educational and social development of children most in need. Perverse because it will cost more in the longer run.
Wrong because it will hit the morale of the growing number of qualified people already working in the sector and making an appreciable impact on children's development. Perverse because it threatens to waste their effort and the investment already in place.
Wrong because early years is where strategic investment pays the greatest long-term dividends. Perverse because the very flexibility of EYPs in upskilling the workforce and driving up standards in this critical area will be threatened.EYPs have emerged as the key specialists in this vital field with their proven professionalism in the birth-to-five age range.
There is little that is controversial about the assertion that early years are critical in improving the life chances of the most disadvantaged children, as evidence from the Effective Provision of Pre-School Education study and other research shows. Key factors contributing to the quality of the early years experience are well-qualified curriculum leaders and staff with a good understanding of child development and learning. Thousands of EYPS are already in post and in training.
The Government needs to think again. It should build on the proven commitment and enthusiasm of this growing cohort of EYPs to ensure a stable future with professional pay levels, a genuine parity between EYPS and QTS and a clearly-defined national pay framework.
A highly integrated children's workforce with rising levels of skill, experience and professionalism is a valuable asset. It should not be placed in jeopardy.
