Having trained as a nursery nurse and currently in my final year of a nursery management degree, I would like to put forward the case as I see it.
I agree with both Sue Williams and Lisa Titchiner (Letters, 5 January and 19 January). It is fair to say that a teacher who has undertaken a certificate/degree has gained far more knowledge and experience than a nursery nurse. Undertaking this level of study requires greater knowledge and skills than those learned for a NVQ or NNEB qualification.
I also agree that management is an entirely different challenge requiring a different type of skill not necessarily covered in the teaching degree.
In order to provide a service to parents and children we need people who are skilled and trained in both areas.
Having studied nursery management for three years I think I have gained more knowledge in this than a teacher, but I accept that I do not have the in-depth understanding of child development that a teacher has. Clearly, there is a role for both if we are to get it right - isn't this what the Workforce Strategy is moving towards?
The sector needs teachers, particularly those with early years qualifications, managers, and nursery nurses, qualified and unqualified, to make a team.
In general, the pay is poor across the sector and hours are long. I am looking to increase my skill base and undertake the graduate teaching programme as I recognise the gap in my skills, as are many teachers who are undertaking leadership and management training.
I hope there will be a growing opportunity for career progression that ultimately gives those in the sector the rewards they deserve.
Let's stop the bickering and develop a mutual respect for each others'
roles.
* Nikki Gray, Walton on Thames, Surrey
