Nutbrown review published

Foundations for Quality – Final Nutbrown report published

Professor Cathy Nutbrown’s independent Review of Early Education and Childcare Qualifications has now been published.

Professor Cathy Nutbrown was invited by Government to lead an independent review to consider how best to strengthen qualifications and career pathways in the foundation years.

The review looked at qualifications for the early education and childcare sector and considered how to promote progression through an early years career and into leadership roles.

Professor Nutbrown’s report sets out 19 recommendations to improve the quality of the early years sector. She said, "My recommendations stress quality in ensuring that staff are as good as they can be, and have the skills, knowledge, and understanding to make the most of the Government’s investment in the early years. Working in the early years sector should be a recognised and fulfilling career that attracts the best women and men."

Stuart Turner, NCMA's Director of Professional Standards said, "NCMA is pleased to have contributed to the Nutbrown Review as part of the expert panel.

"Professor Nutbrown’s review has reinforced the importance of investing in a professional early years sector, driving improvements and raising standards for the benefit of the workforce and for children who should be entitled to access high quality early years provision.

"The Nutbrown Review has supported the sector to consider ways to ensure that a career in the early years, including home-based childcare, has progressive pathways with integrated CPD. This will raise expectations and attract people with the right skills and knowledge into the early years.

"In addition, the clear drive to clarify and rationalise the present confusing qualification system and the realistic timeframe which the review has laid out are welcome.

"NCMA supports Nutbrown’s vision for the early year’s workforce."

The Government has warmly welcomed the report and will respond fully later in the year.

Watch Professor Nutbrown talking about her review.

Page last updated: 3/6/2013