Nursery Staff GCSE Levels Debate!

Today it was announced that from September, a new requirement will be introduced that states nursery staff must have a grade C of above in GCSE Maths and English. The government are stating that this is essential to ensure literacy and numeracy starts at a young age, however many childcare providers have been left concerned that this will have a catastrophic impact on recruitment,  and as such increase turnover.

Under the new rules, whilst a nursery may hire staff without the required GCSE’s, these staff will not count towards the required ratios – and as such will be classed as ‘additional staff’ rather than key resource to meet minimum quota levels of staff to children ratios.

My personal thoughts are this – we entrust childcare providers – and generally relatively low paid ones at that – to look after the welfare, care, support and development of our children whilst we too, just like them, go to work to earn a living. Whilst I completely agree that teaching literacy and numeracy at a young age is crucial, I do not feel this needs to be at GCSE standard, as lets face it they aren’t even 4 years old!

For me, what is more important for a child of preschool age is that they have a consistent staff member who they can learn to trust. Someone who will stay for the duration, and not be a new face every fortnight. Someone who will read to them, engage with them, ask them questions and encourage their imagination. Support them as they learn to share, learn how to say sorry, make new friends and celebrate key milestones. Who can help them count to 10, recite their ABC’s, and learn colours, symbols and shapes. Do they need the childcare provider to understand the difference between a verb and a pronoun? No. Do they need their childcare provider to be able to quickly confirm the square root of 144? No. And in reality – would you pass your English GCSE?

With the government already putting strain on childcare providers with the proposed 30 hours of free childcare (reducing their profit margins and potential staff budgets), this added requirement is yet another hurdle for recruiting quality childcare staff. For me there needs to be a balance between what is right for our children, and what is sustainable.

What are your thoughts on the new rules?

Would you pass your English GCSE? Take the test to find out!! http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/gcse-english-quiz-would-you-9383989

You can read more about the new childcare rules on the BBC News Article here – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-36114767

*Photo courtesy of Thinkstock via BBC.co.uk