Early Years
THE EARLY YEARS - LEARNING TO LEARN
The early years of a child's education are the most important. It is during these years that children with the appropriate educational provision learn to learn.
We know that high quality nursery education develops each child's personal, social and emotional well-being. It also builds the foundations for numeracy, literacy and an understanding of the world around them.
This Government has made the expansion of early years services a priority. Whilst welcoming the progress made, the National Union of Teachers will continue to press for higher standards and greater investment.
Safeguarding Quality
In areas across the country maintained nursery schools are under threat of closure. This is unacceptable. Nursery schools should be held up as examples of high quality education to which all providers should aspire. The Government has given hand outs to stop play groups and pre-schools closing. Yet, there have been no such grants to protect existing nursery schools. The NUT believes that progressive investment must ensure that all young children have access to provision which meets the standards in nursery schools.
Recognising the Quality of Teaching
Early years teachers are essential for high quality education. They have unique skills which maximise children's learning. They also promote understanding amongst colleagues, governors and parents of the importance of early education. The NUT is actively campaigning for improved status, pay and conditions of service for nursery and reception teachers.
Promoting a Love of Learning
Children learn best when they feel confident and are well-motivated. The NUT supports play-based teaching and learning for three, four and five year olds. The NUT hopes that the establishment of the foundation stage and new curriculum guidance will help reception and nursery teachers resist any pressure to adopt methodologies that they believe to be inappropriate for young children. Young children learn best when they are given opportunities for creative exploration and for following up their own ideas.
Providing High Standards and Facilities
Nursery and infant classrooms need appropriate resources and facilities. Young children require learning materials which make them think and are interesting to work with. They need well-maintained toilet and washing facilities. They need outdoor space in which to play safely.
Teachers share parents' concerns about the damaging effects of oversized classes on their children's achievement and well-being. Nursery classes should have no more than 20 three and four year olds for every qualified teacher assisted by a qualified nursery nurse. Reception classes too should offer similar ratios. Teachers want to be able to spend time meeting the needs of individual children.
Meeting Children's Learning Needs
Teaching young children is exciting and rewarding but it demands a high level of expertise. Teachers need to understand how children learn and develop. Young children deserve early years teachers with teaching and assessment skills of the highest order. The NUT continues to campaign for improved initial teacher training and an entitlement to professional development for all teachers of young children. High quality early years education should be the right of all children
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