University News Last updated 30 January 2013
Announcements made this week about early years and nursery education have sparked discussion amongst the sector. There has been concern over the increase in staff to child ratios in nurseries and about a potential move towards more formal types of learning activity and away from the more creative approach common in UK nurseries.
One of the major proposals is that child-minders are to be allowed to look after larger groups of children than before, but only those nurseries that hire staff with higher qualifications would be able to take on more children.
Professor Fiona Church, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, Law and Social Sciences, said: “One positive from the proposals is the intention to professionalise the early years sector. This sounds like something new – but in fact there have been moves to provide professional routes for early years trainees for some time.
“In a society in which the education of young children is recognised as being the foundation of their future learning, career opportunities demand well-qualified practitioners who have a sound understanding of the learning needs of young children.
“It is pleasing to report that this university is ahead of the game – offering a Foundation Degree and a BA programme in Early Childhood Education Studies which also lays the foundation for progression towards the Early Years professional qualification.
“Here at Birmingham City University we firmly believe that children should get the best start to their education. In training the early years practitioners of the future we are helping to ensure this happens.”