Editor's view - Divisions over GCSE maths and English

It is interesting to see the polarisation of opinions over the Government's insistence that students receiving government funding to undertake the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification will need GCSE English and maths at grade C or above on entry to the course.

Some of those commenting on our stories about this are adamant that this has been discussed for decades and that it is a necessary move if we are to be able to improve the quality of the early years workforce.

Others are hugely concerned that there will be a damaging exodus of potential Level 3 staff, leading to the unintended consequence of nurseries having to take on more Level 2 staff and quality actually going down.

Some thoughts occur. First, a good standard of English and maths is obviously desirable - I know many parents who cringe when confronted with basic literacy errors displayed in nursery welcome areas and children's learning journeys. However, it is questionable whether GCSE content, particularly for maths, should be the measure of suitability.

And further, it is the need to have the GCSEs before you start the EYE course that is the real problem. Large numbers of current Level 2 students started their courses before the requirement came in, and it is unfair to impose this at this stage. Many may put their career progression on hold or leave the sector completely.

These matters may have been discussed for decades, but there has been no properly planned transition, just a hasty imposition which could have detrimental effects on the workforce and early years services.