As the sector struggles to attract and retain graduates, it is becoming increasingly clear that an important aspiration has been lost.
Not so long ago, graduate leadership seemed to be making some headway. Many of you will remember the Graduate Leader Fund which ran from 2007-2011. With ring-fenced funding of £305m, this period saw the number of workers holding a degree or a foundation degree rise by 76 per cent – from 16,500 workers to 29,100 (according to the Education Policy Institute).
In line with the fund’s aims, the rise in degree-qualified workers was mainly in the PVI sector.
Right now, analysis of the latest Government data by charity Nesta finds that just 9 per cent (or 21,500) of the early years workforce holds graduate status (news, 20 September). And only 37 per cent of PVI settings are currently staffed by at least one graduate. What is particularly concerning is the marked regional disparity when it comes to graduates working in PVI nurseries.
For example, while Nesta reports 73 per cent of settings in Wandsworth employ one, none in Middlesbrough do so.
With graduate leadership so clearly associated with narrowing the gap in children’s outcomes between the most and least deprived areas, surely this has to be a priority?
It’s good to see the Labour Party pledge to bring in more graduates – but it will have to address the fundamental issues of pay, conditions and progression routes, and level the playing field with schools. It will also have to find a way to make graduate staff once again affordable for PVIs.
As part of this year’s Nursery World Awards, we have introduced a new category, Early Years Graduate of the Year. This promises to shine a light on how a degree can open up a fantastically rewarding career. On that note, it’s not long now until the ceremony on 30 September – and the winners will be revealed!
