Nutbrown welcomes more views as issues flagged up

The report is based on findings gathered in the call for evidence, which involved 982 responses to the consultation, six consultation events around the country and an online survey of more than 1,000 parents by Netmums.

The report sets out what Professor Nutbrown has heard so far about these areas and gives ideas about how they might be addressed, with the final report to be published this summer.

A clear view

In an interview with Nursery World, Professor Nutbrown said she believes she has a clear view of the sector's concerns around qualifications and said that it is now about 'making decisions based on this'.

She said, 'This interim report is important for flagging up the key issues that have emerged from the evidence and signalling further things that I need to do. Everything in the report will be given very careful thought and there will be more conversations and consultations.'

She stressed the importance of the three broad themes of the review which provide the context for examining qualifications.

'Content of courses and tuition is about looking at how professionals are equipped to work effectively with young children. Quality has been examined in terms of the systems and processes in place, recognising the need for everyone to benefit from quality learning opportunities.'

She said she is considering Dame Clare Tickell's recommendation that Level 3 should be the minimum qualification standard for the whole workforce. 'Lots of people have been saying that they would like me to recommend this. Seventy per cent are currently working at this level and it is certainly worth a further look.'

However, in the report Professor Nutbrown says that if the minimum level is raised, there will need to be robust 'ladders and bridges for those who want to improve their qualifications, so that valuable people in the workforce are not lost'.

Professor Nutbrown said she is keen to address how the status of the profession can be raised. Possibilities outlined in the report include introducing more teachers into early years settings and creating a licence to practice.

'With regard to the licence to practice, it was suggested as a way to improve the standards and status of the workforce. It could be created in a way that allows people to document their CPD and make it clear to employers what they have achieved and how they have updated skills throughout their career. There is lots of work which still needs to be done around this.'

Looking ahead, Professor Nutbrown was not prepared to commit to how sweeping any reform might be. 'It is too early to predict exactly how reform will take place after the recommendations are published. I want to ensure that those recommendations are useful and helpful, particularly in how they affect career progression and the impact on the outcomes of young children. With this report I am giving feedback to thousands of people and I am very grateful to all those who have responded.'

- See at-a-glance guide (pages 14-15) and online at www.nurseryworld.co.uk/1121898