Nursery teachers are not the only answer to closing the gap

I have been following the discussion about the need for nursery teachers that prompted the Save the Children report 'Untapped Potential'. The outcome was quite predictable; they found what they were looking for – it was self-evident.

However, pointing to only one factor in a complex cycle facing children and families isn’t really helpful. The trouble is that we tend to want to see issues in linear dimensions because that way they are more likely to be problems that can be solved.

Maybe the teacher shortage can be solved. But is a teacher shortage the main issue? Is this what is what is needed? How strong is the research that shows that it is teachers, rather than other early years professionals, that can support children’s learning and development? It might seem intuitive to believe that teachers do a better job, but is that really true?
 
The  developmental outcomes for some children, in some geographic areas, where the socio-economic situations are more challenged are likely to be lower. Of course there is a greater need to support those who are in greater need, and it follows, that those in greater need are the ones who have fewer resources and less access to teachers.