Union calls for better pay for early years professionals

Trade union Aspect has written the Charter for Early Years Professionals after research showed the government is undermining its efforts to build a graduate-led early years workforce.

A survey of 300 practitioners who have attained the Early Years Professional Status qualification, revealed that despite government funding pay rates for EYPs remain low and there is a lack of recognition or status among fellow professionals working in children's services.

Aspect general secretary John Chowcat said, "There is a growing gap between the rhetoric about EYPs as ‘graduate leaders' in early years settings and the reality. Our Early Years Charter sets out the minimum needed to renew progress in establishing higher professional standards in every early years setting."

The charter calls for pay to reflect the role EYPs play as setting leaders, as well as a recognised parity with Qualified Teacher Status. It also demands clearer pathways for career progression, in terms of funding for further training and a national scale for pay.