Historically robust evidence highlights the importance of quality in early childhood education and care. As Edward Melhuish et al. stated in their 2015 review, ‘the positive impact of childcare quality on various aspects of children’s development is one of the most consistent findings in developmental science’.
In 2018, Iram Siraj et al. argued that ‘one strategy that can be particularly efficient for improving quality is in-service professional development (PD). Upskilling the workforce is now a priority in many countries because of inconsistency in training and the unequal quality of initial undergraduate and other qualifications.’
Having said that, it can be tricky to plan a programme that is financially efficient and offers significant impact. Angela Gamble, Information, Advice and Guidance manager at the Professional Association for Childcare and Early years (PACEY), says, ‘There is so much PD available that it can be overwhelming to navigate and make the best choices.’ This statement will resonate with many in the EYFS.
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