Another email from DfE dated 24th July 2013. But no new information!

I have received another email from the DfE. I have highlighted and annotated my on-going concerns. It reads as follows:

Dear Mrs Dervey ,

Thank you for your email dated 12 July 2013 about Early Years Professional Status and the Teach First early years extension to the Primary programme. Teach First launched in 2002, with a mission to recruit highly able graduates, who would not otherwise have considered teaching, to work in some of the country’s most challenging schools for at least two years. It started by preparing secondary trainees to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and later expanded to include primary trainees. The further extension of Teach First into the Early Years Foundation Stage is a new development for September 2013 which covers the age range three to seven years and is part of its primary QTS programme. It is, however, very much part of the overall Teach First programme, and all applicants are required to meet the Teach First eligibility criteria, irrespective of the age range they are training to teach. These have been developed through consultation with stakeholders, and currently include a requirement that applicants hold a degree in a traditional national curriculum subject at 2:1 or above. The recent expansion of the Teach First programme into the Early Years Foundation Stage is currently in its first year and teaching subject eligibility criteria is being reviewed as part of the programme evaluation[j1] . Teach First applicants are looked at holistically so if you feel you have other attributes that contribute to your application but do not fall within the criteria they do urge you to apply and outline these attributes on the application form and  to note any extenuating circumstances. [j2] They also will consider where you have ‘A’ levels in a specified subject rather than a degree. This is to meet the curriculum requirements for primary teaching of which the 3-7 age range is a part. Teach First participants are trained and work in schools serving more disadvantaged children and families.  They commit to at least two years in schools and then decide if they move on to other careers or stay in teaching. They would usually pursue leadership roles as[j3]  their training is focused on leadership development as well as teaching itself.  Teach First focus on placing highly motivated individuals where they are most needed and recommend that applicants be open minded about location[j4] . Teach First specifically place participants in partner schools rather than engage them within existing employment. During the application participants are able to state a regional preference; however they prioritise the needs of the schools and their children over the preferences of the applicants.  The initial 20 places are based in London and the South East; however Teach First may look to place early years participants in other regions in the future.   It is of note, though, that as an Early Years Professional you are able to use the title Early Years Teacher. Early Years Professionals and Early Years Teachers focus specifically on babies and children from birth to 5 years old. [j5]  In our report More great childcare published in January this year we made it clear that Early Years Professionals will not need to obtain QTS to increase their status, although routes are already available to QTS if you wish to take them.  These include through universities, the Assessment Only route and the new School Direct teacher training programme.  You may also wish to consider the Teachers’ Standards which you would be required to demonstrate in order to gain QTS; these can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teachers-standards  [j6]  Thank you for taking the time to email and I hope this information has been of use to you.

My initial thoughts relating to the highlighted areas.

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 [j1]As a result of complaints from applicants with EY degrees!

 [j2]I was turned down initially in spite of an extensive outline of my relevant experience, skills and qualifications!

 [j3]What about leadership within EY settings!

 [j4]Perhaps everyone can relocate to London, Kent & Medway!

 [j5]When will they hear that EYPs are far less concerned with job titles than being recognised in terms of status and salary as equal to QTS!

 [j6]Almost all EY practitioners are alert to continual changes in the EYFS requirements including Teaching Standards. They don’t need telling repeatedly.

 

 

Regrettably, the DfE seem to just repeat their previous email and assume that the issues petitioned against may just disappear.

I am particularly angered that they seem to think that qualified EYPs need to repeatedly be told about on-going changes to the variety of criteria and standards relating to EYFS. They don't acknowledge that our training ensures that we continually research current legislation to adjust and maximise our provision accordingly!