I must reply to the author of 'Does Ofsted get the full picture?' (Letters, 6 September).
I sincerely hope that, as a manager, your team do not realise how little you think of their NVQ qualification, and ultimately how you regard them.
I am a childcare practitioner with 19 years' experience. I completed my NVQ level 2 in childcare 11 years ago and my level 3 nine years ago. I spent every evening and weekend for three and a half years doing my coursework, as it was my choice to complete this while I was working.
I only saw my assessor when I was being assessed and I would ask my nursery manager for help if needed. It was the same for my other work colleagues who were also completing their NVQ. We can proudly say that 'it's all our own work'.
I have had the pleasure of working with some outstanding childcare practitioners over the years, regardless of whether they attained their qualification through college or not. My colleagues who are currently completing their NVQs are working their socks off and can proudly say that it's all their own work, too.
- Caroline D'Arcy, West Sussex.
