Government launches Professor Cathy Nutbrown review of early education and childcare qualifications

Children’s minister Sarah Teather has asked Professor Cathy Nutbrown, professor of education at the University of Sheffield, to lead the review, alongside a panel of early years and childcare experts.

Professor Nutbrown (right) has also launched a call for evidence so that early years workers can give their own views about the training and qualifications they need.

The Government also wants to hear from parents, trainers and employers.

Professor Nutbrown will focus on improving the confidence, knowledge and skills of people who work with families on all aspects of children’s development.

The review is part of a range of Government measures to improve early years education and childcare, particularly for disadvantaged children. Ministers say that evidence shows a clear link between a highly qualified and skilled early years workforce and children’s healthy development.

The review will focus on:

• the content of early years and childcare qualifications and training courses to improve the skills, knowledge and experience of early years professionals;
• career progression and motivation;
• the development of a range of qualifications for early years workers at every stage in their career;
• the high standards and quality that are needed to meet the needs of children, families, workers and employers in the early years sector;
• raising the status of early education and childcare.

Professor Nutbrown said, ‘It’s vital that we have a professional, diverse and confident workforce who feel equipped to do their job well. They are often the unsung heroes of the children’s workforce – responsible for the care, education, development and wellbeing of over three million young children. 

‘I will look at how to improve the rigour and quality of current training and qualifications, and create a clear route for career progression.’

Ms Teather said, ‘It’s essential that people working in the early years have the right skills and training to give children the best start in life. One of the most important factors affecting a child’s healthy development is the quality of the education and childcare they receive in their earliest years.

‘We want to make sure young children are starting school ready and able to learn. So we need to look at the training and qualifications of those working in the early years.’

Commenting on the review, Anne Longfield, chief executive of 4Children, said, ‘Great early education and childcare is delivered by professionals who feel valued and motivated. In a sector that is full of innovation, it is crucial that we develop the right range of qualifications that both meets the needs of the sector and provides the career progression that will ensure we get the best people - and that we keep them. We need to show professionals working in early years that they are valued and respected.

‘We welcome Professor Nutbrown’s independent review as indicative of the Government’s commitment to the foundation years. Practitioners gain much wisdom from delivering daily care to children, and parents and families know the day-to-day realities of what children need from those who provide services, which is why it is important that as many professionals and parents make their voices heard during this consultation.’

Expert panel
Nicola Amies, director, Bright Horizons
Michael Freeston, director of quality improvement, Pre-School Learning Alliance
Julian Grenier. early years adviser, Tower Hamlets
Tricia Maynard, director of the Centre for Children, Families and Communities, Canterbury Christ Church University
June O’Sullivan, chief executive, London Early Years Foundation
Helen Perkins, head of early years, Solihull College
Wendy Scott (TACTYC), Association for the Professional Development of Early Years Educators
Chelle Davison, joint chair, SEFDEY (Sector Endorsed Foundation Degree Early Years)
Sue Robb, head of early years, 4 Children
Ann Headley, former adviser/inspector in Bradford local authority
Megan Pacey, chief executive, Early Education

NUTBROWN REVIEW: TERMS OF REFERENCE

The Review will consider:

• What the content of early years and childcare qualifications and training courses should include to give the workforce the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience to work in the EYFS. In particular:
• Training needs linked to EYFS response: to review content of training in view of the two-and-ahalf year progress check and targeted training to strengthen practitioners' confidence around interaction with parents.
• Coherence and inclusivity: how best to develop a suite of qualifications which is coherent, meets the needs of learners (at all levels and stages) and promotes diversity, professionalism and motivation in the workforce.
• Clear career pathways: how best to improve the progression structure for qualifications through higher level education and training
• Standards: how to ensure qualifications and training are of a consistently high standard
• Status: how the review will contribute to raising the status of early education and childcare, with newer qualifications acquiring the equivalence of those like the NNEB

• The review ends on Friday 23 December. Respond to the consultation and read the terms of reference here.
• Further information http://www.education.gov.uk/nutbrownreview