It is good to see that the select committee on education and employment has found time to squeeze in a couple of extra sessions on the early years, following its original report and the Government's response (see News, page 4). It is also very encouraging that committee chair Barry Sheerman laid so much stress on the problems caused by low pay and status and high turnover in the early years sector. Richard Dorrance, chief executive of CACHE, spoke of the need to 'talk up' the professionalism of working in the early years. But, as was also highlighted, it would need a truly golden tongue to persuade early years workers, with many on salaries of only 7,000 a year, that they are valued. Employment and equal opportunities minister Margaret Hodge went before the committee this week to respond further, and Nursery World will report on the outcome in our next issue.
It is good to see that the select committee on education and employment has found time to squeeze in a couple of extra sessions on the early years, following its original report and the Government's response (see News, page 4). It is also very encouraging that committee chair Barry Sheerman laid so much stress on the problems caused by low pay and status and high turnover in the early years sector. Richard Dorrance, chief executive of CACHE, spoke of the need to 'talk up' the professionalism of working in the early years. But, as was also highlighted, it would need a truly golden tongue to persuade early years workers, with many on salaries of only 7,000 a year, that they are valued.
Employment and equal opportunities minister Margaret Hodge went before the committee this week to respond further, and Nursery World will report on the outcome in our next issue.
Meanwhile, along with the new-look Nursery Equipment, you'll find your free guide to take along to Manchester's G-Mex centre for the Under 12s Exhibition on 11 and 12 May. We look forward to seeing lots of our readers there.
