Do you think the Government should reverse their qualifications policy for Early Years Educators?

Since 2014, the Government has required Level 3 Early Years Educators to have a grade-C or above GCSE qualification in Maths and English in order to be included in a setting’s child to adult ratio. Since this decision was taken, the sector has seen a dramatic drop in the number of Level 3 EYE recruits. So what do you think? Are GCSE’s essential to effective Early Years practice? What about Functional Skills?

Which of these statements best reflects your opinion on the policy?

  1. 36% said I agree with the policy. Having better-qualified staff can only improve the quality of Early Years Education.
  2. 50% said I like the idea of having better-qualified staff, but I think the policy should accept other qualifications as well as GCSEs, such as Functional Skills.
  3. 14% said I disagree with the policy. It makes the problem of finding suitably qualified staff much harder. It does not offer enough flexibility.

Comments

Anonymous said on 16 July 2016

There has to be a sound basis of education to teach early years.

F K Gul said on 9 July 2016

I find it unfair that when i finish my EYE level 3 course I will still not have a full qualification, as most of the other staff do not have a GCSE grade C or above qualification, they have functional skills. Having English to a good standard i understand as writing up observations that are well written reflects well on the practitioners as parents may read these.

Anonymous said on 8 July 2016

I do not particularly find that those less qualified do a lesser job. I do find that those very qualified are stuck in their ways, will not move to accommodate a child who is out of the box, I find those staff who have struggled themselves are more understanding, compassionate and can give much much more. Those with GCSes may do a better quality planning but not implementing it as well

Lillias Johnson said on 8 July 2016

I have a niece, currently abroad who would be prevented from continuing in the job she loves and is praised for, if such strict guidelines were the law when she returned to the UK. In my experience as a Teacher, Personality and Life Skills are more important than qualifications.

Anonymous said on 8 July 2016

I think Early Childcare industry is synopsis with glorified cleaners positions and not enough interaction with children emphasised or given to any staff member, no matter their position.

Victoria Wright said on 8 July 2016

The idea that all have to have C grade and above in GCSE's restricts recruiting older people to the setting that would be perfect due to their own experiences with childcare and also younger applicants that missed the mark. A nurturing, caring and enthusiastic approach is needed far more than just qualifications. I agree that we need practitioners with a good command of the English language for both speaking to children as well as writing up observations but a lot of people do have this even though they do not necessarily have a C grade or above in English. A skills test would be far preferable.

Alison Davies said on 8 July 2016

I don't understand the need for a full GCSE in maths. I have a degree without Maths as a GCSE and it has not prevented me in providing Outstanding care and learning in the settings I manage.

Anonymous said on 3 July 2016

Experience in working with Early Years should be taken into consideration too.

Anonymous said on 3 July 2016

Young/mature adults who want to work with nursery aged children are being put off by the amount they are paid. They do not need GCSE grade 'c' in English and Maths to work for a local supermarket where they can get far more per hour, thus being able to pay bills, be independent and have a home of their own. The government and local authorities need to acknowledge the importance and true value of Nursery Practitioners. When you are valued and not taken for granted, making sure you are properly qualified to do the job is not a problem. Government rely on nursery practitioners to do it for the love of the job, which many do! Unfortunately this doesn't pay bills.

Sunbeam said on 1 July 2016

I feel as long as they have some form of childcare qualification and there are more higher qualified persons working in the setting this is acceptable

Anonymous said on 24 June 2016

For staff like myself in their 50s, that have been working in Early Years for 18+ years, and before GCSEs, it would not be fair to say that even after studying for my Diploma in Preschool Practice years ago, I am not clever enough to be counted in the ratio is wrong. I have experience, have worked my way up and been on all EY training courses offered.