19 June 2012

Review urges improved qualifications for early years educators

A University of Sheffield education expert who has completed an independent education review for the Government says equipping staff with the right skills is the key to ensuring better quality early years teaching.

The Review of Early Education and Childcare Qualifications by Professor Cathy Nutbrown of the University of Sheffield’s Department of Education was published today (19 June 2012).

In the independent report, called Foundations for Quality, Professor Nutbrown sets out 19 recommendations to improve the skills and knowledge of those who work with young children so that they have the best possible start in life and are prepared for school.

The report is based on firm evidence which shows that having a quality workforce helps young children prepare for school.

The report’s other recommendations include:

• Improving qualifications to make them more rigorous and demanding, with a stronger focus on child development;

• A focus on improving the delivery of qualifications so that tutors have the support to improve their skills and maintain the current experience of the sector;

• Asking the early years sector to lead on mentoring new staff, to support them as they enter work and make sure students learn from good practice;

• Building on progress to encourage graduate leadership in the sector, through Early Years Professional Status, as part of the move towards more teachers in the early years; and that the Government should not impose a licensing system for the sector at this stage.

Professor Nutbrown said: “I have seen many inspirational examples of dedicated staff providing the best environment for playing and learning. I want more young children to benefit from this.

“Every child deserves excellent early education and care, and every parent should be confident that their child is getting the best. Early education and care needs to support babies' and young children's all round well being and development. That is why I want the workforce to really understand child development, the importance of play, and have good English and maths skills.

“There is no doubt that high quality education is important. We need to make sure the early years workforce has the necessary skills, qualifications and experience to provide the very best for our young children.”

She added: “My recommendations stress quality in ensuring that staff are as good as they can be, and have the skills, knowledge, and understanding to make the most of the Government’s investment in the early years. Working in the early years sector should be a recognised and fulfilling career that attracts the best women and men.

“There cannot be a compromise on quality and we must be relentless in our desire to improve experience for young children. Taken together, I believe my recommendations will give parents and the early years workforce confidence in the standards of early education and care qualifications.”

The report shows that high quality early years provision narrows the gap between disadvantaged children and others, and that staff qualifications improve quality.

The Government will now carefully consider Professor Nutbrown’s recommendations before publishing a response later this year.

Children’s Minister Sarah Teather said: “I warmly welcome Professor Nutbrown’s thoughtful and thorough report. It takes a careful and measured look at the sector, and will be invaluable in helping us to shape the future of the early years workforce. We need to attract bright people to the sector so that our young children get the best possible start in life – after all, they only get one chance. We will now consider her report very carefully before responding in further detail later this year.”