There has been so much emphasis recently on the importance on having highly trained staff, qualified with NNEB, BTec or NVQ 3. But here in our country how often does a nursery nurse position - let alone a manager position - ask for a degree in Early Childhood Education?
This level of qualification exists in the UK as well as Australia. Unfortunately, in the UK, rather than this being seen as an intensive three-year course covering the period from birth to eight years of age, and producing competent child development graduates, it is very rarely mentioned among other childcare qualifications. On the odd occasion that it is, we seem determined that in the UK we do not need a degree, as we are not snobs, and our NNEBs know better than any graduate.
I am not suggesting a graduate is necessarily more competent than a nursery nurse with another qualification and anyone who thinks I am is missing my point. But while there is continued emphasis on qualifications and training in the UK, there is no support for students wishing to be graduates rather than to complete a college course, even from those organisations responsible for supporting training and promoting qualifications.
What incentive is there for me to become a child development graduate in the UK? I rarely see a vacancy that asks for an early childhood degree and have even recently been told that if I choose to become a graduate I will not have the knowledge and expertise required for work with young children.
How insulting! This statement very nearly put me off wanting to work in childcare at all.
Please let's not forget that when we argue for the recognition of qualified nursery nurses, we should also be arguing for the recognition of members of staff who are qualified with a child development degree as well.
H Davis, London
