I started my nursery 20 years ago and spent 90 per cent of my time with the children and staff. Now I spend 90 per cent of my time shuffling bits of paper due to all the changes and requirements brought in over the years.
There have been some very positive changes and, yes, it's great to have a graduate/EYP. But let's be realistic - how on earth are we going to continually meet their salary expectations, along with other members of staff who are also getting better qualified?
But I disagree with children's minister Beverley Hughes, who said that top-ups 'would create a two-tier system and allow well-off parents to buy the best nursery education'. Just because you pay more does not mean you get a better nursery education. Fees, as well as covering staff salaries, go to cover extortionate overheads, such as business rates. If the Government allowed nurseries to be exempt from these, then I could cover the NEG shortfall and pay a graduate.
What the Government gives with one hand, it takes away with the other.
- Marcella Cunningham, Clifton Tots Day Nursery, Clifton, Bristol.