As a result, it is calling for their pay to be brought in line withteachers'.
YES: Purnima Tanuku, chief executive, National Day Nurseries Association- If we are talking about early years professionals, they should be atthe same level of pay and conditions as qualified teachers. You can'targue for better-qualified staff but not be prepared to pay themequally. There is of course an issue of affordability. How many daynurseries will be able to pay? The indications are that not many havetaken up the Transformation Fund released this year to support trainingand qualifications of staff in day nurseries.
NO: Chris Keates, general secretary, NASUWT - It's not the same job soyou wouldn't expect the rates of pay to be the same. I think with anyjob the rate of pay has to reflect training and level of responsibility,and people should be paid the rate for the job they do in that context.Most childcare workers don't undertake the same role as teachers so tocompare their salaries is a false comparison, although a senior careworker could be paid more than some grades of teacher. However,childcare workers should be paid a proper wage and one that recognisesthe work they do.
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