The Government’s 10-year strategy for children’s services promises massive investment and a highly qualified graduate workforce with wide-ranging job opportunities across the sectors. A new kind of professional has been discussed.
It is, therefore, disappointing that many school leavers appear unaware of these developments. Enquiries by young people and their parents for an early-years BA honours degree course remain focused on how to become a primary teacher. Are careers services unaware of the many potential graduate jobs beyond teaching in schools? If so, are they communicating this well enough to school-leavers?
Teaching in a school is now just one of many options for those who interested in working to improve the education and care of children and their families, particularly in early years.
Teachers who can work with other agencies to support the whole family are already needed in children’s centres - an entirely different environment from a school. Any ideas about how to convey this very important message before next year’s higher education college intake ?
Karen Argent Senior lecturer in early-years education studies 236 Warwick Rd, SolihullWest Midlands
