Opinion

Funded childcare should prioritise quality

2 mins read Your Shout
In the ever-evolving landscape of early years education, a pressing issue looms large: the 30-hour funding policy and its repercussions.
Louise Livingston is head of training at the Maria Montessori Institute. Picture: Maria Montessori Institute
Louise Livingston is head of training at the Maria Montessori Institute. Picture: Maria Montessori Institute

At the heart of this dilemma is the lack of adequate financial support for nurseries to meet the demands of this funding model. As nurseries grapple with ever-tightening budgets, the inevitable consequence is a reduction in staff salaries and the employment of less expensive and, therefore, less qualified staff. This downward spiral not only undermines the value of early years as a career, but also compromises the quality of education and care provided for children at a stage which research shows is critical to their development. This could have consequences for their long-term wellbeing and fulfilment of their potential.

In Montessori education, we recognise and emphasise the importance of teachers thoroughly trained in child development at every stage, yet the current funding climate fosters a culture of lowered expectations driven by the allure of quick, inexpensive online childcare courses. This risks the integrity of early years education since provision becomes more of a babysitting service than an opportunity for nurturing optimal development. Parents seeking childcare options under the guise of choice may unwittingly entrust their child’s formative years to individuals lacking in proper training and understanding of child development.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this