The Executive published a summary of research into attitudes to qualifications, Interchange 65: Uptake and Perceptions of Early Years Qualifications, last week. The study, carried out by George Street Research between March and July 2000, included a questionnaire which was completed by more than 700 childcare employees, working in a range of settings including playgroups, out-of-school facilities, playschemes, private and local authority day nurseries, nursery schools and local authority classes. The researchers also questioned students, childminders, employers and representatives of national childcare organisations.
Around two in five childcare workers were classified by their employer as having a recognised pre-school or early-years qualification. But almost 20 per cent of those who took part in the survey claimed that their organisations did not employ anyone with a recognised qualification. This included 19 per cent of playgroups. Employers felt that having a suitable personality and relevant, practical experience were more important than qualifications, even at senior level.
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