It is little short of outrageous that Steiner and Montessori training may be "invalid" once the new Level 3 diploma comes into force (CYP Now, 8-21 March).
The irony is that these training methods, which variously include at their core the personal, experiential and artistic development of the teacher, arguably prepare practitioners for age-appropriate teaching far more effectively than do the more programmatic and procedure-dominated mainstream trainings fashioned around delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage.
It would be totally unacceptable if the very kind of training that prepares practitioners most effectively for working with young children were to be ruled invalid in this way.
Dr Richard House, Research Centre for Therapeutic Education, Roehampton University
Opportunity for SEN reform
We welcome the aims of the special educational needs (SEN) green paper, which rightly identifies that reforms of the system should be about meeting the aspirations and hopes of children and young people with disabilities and SEN (cypnow.co.uk, 9 March).
We urge the government to develop an accessible, supportive system designed around the needs of the child that is flexible and responsive enough to take into account their wishes and feelings.
This consultation is an excellent opportunity for the government to seek the views of children and young people with disabilities and SEN.
These proposals, however, must be seen in the context of other proposed changes to health, education and welfare benefits that may impact negatively on children with SEN. It is essential to ensure that the services identified through the assessment process are readily available.
Bob Reitemeier, chief executive, The Children's Society
Scrapping EMA is a mistake
The decision to scrap the education maintenance allowance (EMA) was deeply unfair, especially taking the EMA away from students who are halfway through their course. In his budget this week, George Osborne has an opportunity to take action against the risk of a lost generation of young people.
Osborne should listen to the economists telling him that scrapping the EMA is a mistake. His budget must ensure there is sufficient support available for those young people who have the talent but not the financial means to stay on in education.
This government is cutting too far and too fast. It is kicking away the ladders and damaging the life chances of young people from less well-off backgrounds. It's not only unfair, it's the wrong long-term decision for our country.
Andy Burnham, shadow education secretary
Email cypnow@haymarket.com or write to The editor, CYP Now, 174 Hammersmith Road, London W6 7JP
