As I work mainly in the 'community-based' sector I think your readers need to be aware that people who are already working for next to nothing also have to undertake training at their own expense. It is all very well for Richard Dorrrance, chief executive of CACHE, to say, 'If early years workers want to be called - and paid as - professionals, they must keep their training up to date.' Where do people who earn the basic minimum wage of 4.10 per hour find over 200 to register on a level 2 course?
I am also concerned that Mr Dorrance seems to think that because assistants and supervisors have gained professional status, their salary automatically rises to reflect their professionalism. Community groups have tremendous overheads and have restrictions placed on child ratios by local social services inspection and registration officers. Where is the extra money supposed to be coming from? If fees for childcare are raised, parents will not be able to afford to send their children, and who can blame them?
I totally agree that all people working in the childcare sector should be trained to high standards. But the Government needs to understand that without 100 per cent funding, community care/play settings are going to close because their dedicated but poorly-paid workers will not be able to afford the fees being asked of them to continue with their training.
If care is not taken, community provision will cease to exist within the next five years. What a very sad prospect that is.
Sue Thorne, Risca, Caerphilly
