Professor Cathy Nutbrown has published her review of early education and childcare qualifications. The full report is available on the Department for Education website.
As a provider of EYPS we were pleased to read Professor Nutbrown’s statement that “Early Years Professionals (EYPs) have had an undeniably positive impact on the early years sector – one that I wish to celebrate” (p.57). Professor Nutbrown acknowledges the “significant positive impact” that graduate leaders are making on early years provision. This reflects our experience as an EYPS provider. EYPS candidates are committed professionals who are experts at leading practice. They are at the forefront of early years provision, acting as positive change agents and making a real difference to young children and families.
However, Professor Nutbrown has made a recommendation that “a new early years specialist route to QTS, specialising in the years from birth to seven, should be introduced, starting from September 2013” (recommendation 16). She also recommends that “any individual holding Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) should be able to access routes to obtain QTS as a priority” (recommendation 17). At present these are only recommendations and the government has not yet indicated whether or not these recommendations will be accepted, with changes to current policy. Should these recommendations be accepted by government, Professor Nutbrown recommends that “fast and affordable” routes to achieving QTS should be available to EYPs.
At present, EYPS continues to be the only graduate level, professional status for practitioners working with the youngest children. EYPS enables practitioners to develop their expertise in early years childcare and education. It supports practitioners to work effectively within teams and be strong leaders within childcare settings. Fully funded routes to EYPS continue to support practitioners to achieve the status.