Early Years tutor asked to contribute to national debate
Wed, 23 May 2012 10:21:00 BST
Samantha McMahon, Course Leader for the Early Years courses at the University, was recently asked to be involved in influential group discussions about the latest early years developments.
Held in London in mid May 2012, the event was entitled ‘The next steps for Early Years and childcare provision in England – funding, curriculum and the workforce’ and was organised by the Westminster Education Forum, a cross-parliamentary group. Speakers included Dr Richard House, Professor Melhuish and Professor Cathy Nutbrown.
The event included consultation on early years workforce qualifications, which Professor Nutbrown is currently reviewing. Highly topical debates included;
- the EYPS qualification and the suggestion that there might be a QTS-type qualification for the early years sector
- the impact of the introduction of universal credit
- increased free nursery places on low-income families
- funding for SureStart centres
- the transition from early years to primary schooling
- The depth and breadth of the Early Years Foundation Stage profile
- The potential for family-led learning including parents
As Sam states, ‘It was really useful for me to be able to have an input into these relevant, important debates about the future shape and structure of the early years sector.’
