Professionalism is usually a good thing, but sometimes it is just about defending your own status to keep others down. As a trained teacher, I was really disappointed recently when the National Union of Teachers advised us not to get involved in any toileting or hygiene routines at work, but delegate them to nursery nurses. I cannot imagine a faster way for a teacher to destroy working relationships than by designating the nursery nurse as sole tissue-dispenser, bottom-wiper and clothes-changer.
Similarly, I think that many of the objections to the new role of Early Years Professional stem from a simple desire to block change. Some teachers seem to feel threatened because other professionals might be encroaching on our territory. Similarly, many experienced nursery nurses seem to feel it devalues their qualification by bringing in new staff above them on better pay. Objections of this kind are unworthy. If the EYP role brings about better levels of training, qualification and pay to some of the best early years practitioners, then that is good for the workforce, and good for children too.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here