Workforce development

Early care and education services can have a big impact, but only when their quality is high enough. Research shows that quality depends on having a highly skilled and trained workforce, with low staff turnover, and a high ratio of staff to children.

In summer 2009, the Government called for submissions on what should be included in a Workforce Development Plan. Start Strong believes the plan should aim to achieve a graduate-led, professional workforce. This aim should apply to:

• All ages of children. There should be no distinction between an educational 'pre-school' sector for 3–6 year-olds and a 'childcare' sector for 0–3 year olds. All those working with children from 0–6 should be concerned with both the education / development of children and their care.

• All settings. Quality matters in all settings, including sessional services, full-day crèches and childminders.

Initiatives have been in place for a number of years to raise standards. It remains the case, however, that too many workers have no or minimal qualifications, that wages are low and career development opportunities limited. To professionalise the workforce will require a more proactive approach by Government, with stronger regulations and significant public investment.

For Start Strong’s recommendations, see our Submission on a Workforce Development Plan.