Supporting a Professional Workforce

National and global evidence highlight the essential role of Early Learning and Childcare in reducing child poverty, addressing educational disadvantage and improving the social mobility of children.
 
All professions: doctors, nurses & teachers etc, have a professional body, which is recognised as a voice for the professional practice and of the profession.
 
Many of those who work directly in Early Learning and Childcare settings are undervalued, poorly paid and do not enjoy the professional status of contemporaries at primary and post primary levels.
 
Early Years - the organisation for young children and Stranmillis University College are working together to consult with the industry and establish the need for and the components of a new professional body.  The creation of a professional body would mark a significant milestone for the professionalisation of the Early Learning and Care workforce in NI.
 
The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete. Previously, we have asked that senior managers/owners respond to survey requests; however, on this occasion we would really like to hear from the workforce also. We ask that you share this link with your staff and encourage them to complete also. 
 
We also propose to hold a number of focus groups later in the year to further explore responses to the survey and would welcome your participation in these events also.