The Aspect EYP section: leading the agenda for EYPs

Aspect’s EYP National Committee – consisting of EYPs from around the country meets regularly to lead Aspect’s work in the sector. Key lobbying issues are:–

• specific measures to achieve genuine equivalence between EYP Status (EYPS) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) across the early years sector
• a clearly-defined national pay framework for EYPs to ensure fair pay treatment which recognises their curriculum leadership role (see the Aspect “Making the EYP project a success” paper (link))
• central government to support the application of this national pay framework, across the mixed market of childcare providers, via appropriate subsidies where necessary
• a specific programme of continuing professional development (CPD) for EYPs designed to assist practitioners’ ongoing skills enhancement and future career progression (see the Aspect “EYP CPD Protocol” (link))
• protocols to assist in clarifying the day-to-day working relationship between EYPs and managers of childcare settings, and between EYPs and other childcare staff
• intensified efforts to communicate the distinct nature and importance of the EYP role to all interested parties at local, regional and national levels across the country