The survey aims to increase awareness of the professionalism of childminders, nannies and nursery workers and the findings will form the basis of a report into the career decisions of individuals working in the early years and childcare sector.
The research is part of NCMA’s plans to change its name and re-launch as the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years in the next few months, opening up membership to nursery and pre-school workers.
Topics covered by the survey include:
What motivated you to start a career in childcare?
Where do you see yourself in the future?
What inspires you in your role?
What challenges do you face?
Liz Bayram and Catherine Farrell, joint chief executives of NCMA, said, ‘We will use the findings to ensure more decision-makers better understand what motivates and inspires people working in early years and childcare to join and then stay in the profession. Also to highlight what more could be done to support and retain this dedicated community of practitioners.
‘The recent debate on ratios and other aspects of Government’s More Great Childcare proposals has reinforced the sector’s shared commitment to high quality care and learning but in recent weeks some parts of Government and the media have failed to grasp this.’
The study will be used to increase recognition of the important role childminders, nannies and nursery workers play and to contribute to the association’s understanding of what it can do to support childminders, nannies and nursery workers.
Ms Bayram and Ms Farrell added, ‘We know, from the extensive work we have done in advance of becoming the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) that childminders, nannies and nursery workers share much more than just a dedication to high quality care for the children and families they support.
‘They are inspired by the same situations and experiences, face similar challenges in their day to day roles. In many instances, individuals have worked in nurseries and as childminders and nannies.
‘By becoming PACEY, we further improve the support our existing childminder and nanny members receive as well as provide the support many nursery workers have told us they currently do not have. PACEY will, among many things, provide a stronger voice for everyone working in childcare and early years, support members to share ideas, insight and expertise with each other and, through tailored membership, gain the support they want to develop as professionals.’
- The research comprises three separate surveys, split according to whether respondents are a nanny, childminder or nursery worker. All those taking part will be entered into a prize draw to win £100 in Debenhams vouchers. The closing date is 27 February.
