Opinion: Editor's view

Aspect's report on the Early Years Professional project is timely indeed, highlighting as it does the challenges facing its implementation as the number of EYPs grows (see News, page 4).

Many thousands more EYPs are needed to meet the target of having one in every children's centre by 2010 and one in every daycare setting by 2015. This aim is unlikely to be achieved, however, if some of the issues detailed in the Aspect report are not tackled.

From Nursery World's conferences, forums and contacts, as well as others across the early years sector, it is clear that the lack of parity with Qualified Teacher Status in pay, status, recognition and employment opportunities is one of the biggest problems. Parity was promised to those undertaking EYPS, yet there is no sign of it so far. EYPs are discovering that they are effectively barred from many graduate leader jobs in children's centres - the need for centres to have QT input and graduate leadership means that a QT can fulfil both requirements.

Nor can EYPs lead nursery and reception classes in school settings - most feel obliged to employ a QT. In the private and voluntary sector, EYPs can find jobs, but often not salary scales, benefits and career prospects to match their status. The extension of the free nursery education entitlement and the ban on top-up fees will increase pressures for nurseries to reduce costs too.

It is well past time that the QTS/EYPS conundrum was cleared up. The Early Years Professional project is much needed, and the EYPs we meet are dedicated and talented practitioners. It would be a shame for EYPS to falter now.