Nursery World - No degree, no thanks

I am writing to add my voice to the many disillusioned childcare workers being faced with 'NDD' - Non Degree Discrimination. I have read with interest, but growing disappointment, the debate over childcare workers gaining degree status to further their careers.

I have read with interest, but growing disappointment, the debate over childcare workers gaining degree status to further their careers.

I gained a BTec National Diploma in Caring Services in 1992 and, like Judith Baxter describes (Letters, 17 August), worked my way through the ranks in the private and public sector. Over the past 16 years I have undertaken many training sessions and courses, and I have run a social care nursery centre for the last eight years.

Do 'higher powers' really think it is necessary for all managers to hold a degree, or do experience and life skills still count? Do I tell the students I work with not to bother with their NVQ 2 and 3, because if they aspire to manage a childcare setting they will need a degree?

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