Degrees of ability

Wednesday, February 7, 2001

I am a final-year A-level student hoping to train to be a nursery teacher. To become qualified I will need to train for four years to gain a degree. I chose teaching over childcare because of the difference in qualifications. An NVQ or BTec level 3 qualification in no way compares to the degree my career choice requires, but if entry to childcare required such a level of training I would apply for it. NVQs are a blessing because not everyone is academically able. However, some people are, and this is something the childcare profession doesn't seem to realise. Unless a degree level of training is introduced, the childcare sector will continue losing academically-able students.