NO - Norman Glass, chief executive, National Centre for Social Research
I remain unconvinced. The evidence that a degree-level qualification for all staff makes a sufficient difference to be worth the extra money is still thin to non-existent. At this point it would simply be a recipe for less childcare. More fundamentally, however, the early years sector can be an important means for regeneration and for inclusion. To look at it solely from a pedagogic point of view seems extraordinarily narrow. It should open opportunities for parents too.
YES - Professor Peter Moss, Institute of Education But not 100 per cent.
I do think that at least half the early childhood workforce should be educated to a degree level (we really must get away from the language of "childcare", which is far too narrow and divisive). This is the situation in, for example, the Nordic countries, with the remainder of the staff having a lower level of qualification. An important question then is the level of education of this group and whether they can go on to acquire the high-level qualification.
YES - Rosemary Murphy, chief executive, National Day Nurseries Association
Research shows better outcomes for children in graduate-led early years facilities. We must be ambitious and have a long-term vision for half of future early years practitioners to be at this level, while recognising that a work-based route is essential to attract mature staff into the sector and as an entry route for parents and volunteers. We must also recognise the important qualifications being developed around the senior practitioner role.
NO - Steve Alexander, chief executive, Pre-school Learning Alliance
Not entirely. The ultimate aim should be to recruit and retain a workforce with the highest levels of childcare qualifications, including graduates. However, we need to be realistic about how the workforce will attain them. We need to build a training framework that supports all entry points and routes to qualifications that meets the learning needs of individuals. Perceptions of working in childcare also need to change if we are to meet the workforce challenge.
