Letter to Parents RE: The ‘Early Years 0-6 Strategy’
from NAHT(NI)
September 2010
Dear Parent,
The Department of Education has, after six years, have finally released their vision for future pre school
education. The ‘Early Years 0-6 Strategy’ is raising a lot of concern and parents are being asked to make
their comments on it. The Strategy can be viewed at:
http://www.deni.gov.uk/index/pre-school-education-pg/16-draft-early-years-strategy-consultpg.htmDraft_Early_Years_ (0-6) _Strategy Consultation
Below is a summary of the main points of concern that have been drawn up by Nursery & Primary
Principals who feel that the high quality nursery education that your children receive is under threat if
parents do not make their voices heard by responding to the Department of Education’s proposals.
Principals and Governors will also be responding as well as talking to politicians. The Strategy and the
response booklet are not the easiest documents to read, so the main points of both have been
summarized below.
We really do need your help so please take a few minutes to fill in the booklet and return it to your class
teacher in the envelope provided.
Main Points of Concern
* The Strategy does not acknowledge that currently best practice is found in the Nursery Schools and
classes, even though this is stated in research studies and Inspection reports.
* The Strategy states that it will retain part time places in nursery schools and units, but does not mention
full-time places. Most parents want full-time places in a nursery class, however this lack of
acknowledgement of full time provision, may indicate that it is under threat.
* The Strategy proposes raising the school starting age to six, yet does not offer any opportunity for you to
comment on this major change in the response document.
* The Strategy refers to the need to up skill the workforce. A degree with qualified teaching status is the
baseline for those leading Nursery Education in classrooms in the Statutory Sector; the baseline of a
leader of a setting in the Private & Voluntary sector is NVQ Level 3. In the current economic climate could
better use be made of existing skills & practice rather than expecting the Assembly to invest upwards of
five million pounds a year in raising qualifications.
* No details are given as to how any changes will be funded. In a time of uncertain finance is it advisable
to use finance available wisely. Investing in the education of our youngest children will inevitably pay
dividends but it must be done through investing in existing quality as indicated by university government
funded research.
* The document talks of what is good practice but fails to make any acknowledgement that these
recommendations are already established practice in the nursery schools and units.
* The strategy refers to Literacy and Numeracy as starting in the foundation stage. Once again this
displays a misunderstanding of how learning and teaching take place in the statutory sector Nursery
Schools & Units.
Guide to Questions 1 -18
It may be appropriate to disagree with each question, as then comments will be noted. This may not be
the case if you agree with the statement.
1. It is a good vision, however, this document does not give any details of how this is going to take place.
2. These aims do not show that research has proved that Nursery Education is the best form of pre school
education, or that parents require full time places not just part time places.
3. In Nursery classes children are already learning about early maths and language because they follow a
curriculum that is prepared by teachers. Many nursery children attend excellent nursery classes with excellent
Inspection reports. There are lots of studies paid for by Government that show that Nursery education is the best
way to prepare a child for primary school and that this lasts beyond secondary school. It is important that nursery
children have qualified teachers in charge of their class.
4. Nursery classes already have an excellent curriculum which is organised around the child. Nursery education is
about developing a child not just ticking boxes to show what a child cannot do. Staff in nursery schools do not need
any more qualifications, and this will save money not spend it.
5. Take notice of the research that shows that young children learn best when taught by qualified teachers.
6. Nursery Schools and classes already do great work with all parents – they have workshops and meetings to help
parents help their children and their inspection reports already say this
7. Parents choose nursery education as their first choice for a pre school year, especially full time places and many
are disappointed if they don’t get their choice of school or session offer. If Government wants to help families they
need to make sure parents get the school and session of their choice.
8. The best people to lead these programmes are school principals who know about how children learn and already
have to be careful with their budgets.
9. Why not make nursery education compulsory like primary school for all children?
10. DE should look at what is best value for money taking into account all sources of funding available to schools,
playgroups and private daycare.
11. Why is there no space to answer these important questions?
12. The most important point is that all children have equal access to the best form of pre school education and that
is proven to be in a nursery class. This is the first choice for parents’ but not all parents get it.
13. This only talks about part time places – will full time places go? If teachers are employed to lead learning in
nursery classrooms, there is no need to spend money to help staff to become more qualified. Young children
should continue to attend nursery schools and classes as they have always done
14. Government needs to look at the studies that tell them that children learn best in nursery classes and also at
Inspection reports that also tell them the same – parents want only the best for their children.
15. No opportunity to provide a response
16. The most recent Chief Inspector’s Report acknowledged the achievements made by Nursery Schools and
Classes in a number of key areas whilst highlighting areas of concern for other sectors
17. Is this Strategy about Educating or Caring for children? There are no details about how it will be paid for, or
who will be in charge of out pre school education
18. This Strategy is misguided. Instead of placing the child’s needs at the centre, it appears to be a misguided and
ill informed argument for equity of conditions between stakeholders. The 0-6 Strategy is not, and must not be
allowed to be, about equity; it is about excellence, and only excellence. This is what our youngest members of
society deserve; and this document, unfortunately, does not deliver that.