The Government’s Early Year's Professional (EYP) strategy is being undermined by a “credibility gap” of low pay and status, a trade union representing early years workers has claimed.

The trade union Aspect said the minimum needed to close the credibility gap was to see EYPs achieve full parity with teachers on all levels, including pay.

To support its claim, on 24 April Aspect unveiled its Early Years Professional Charter, which is calling for professional pay levels that reflect the key role assigned to EYPs; genuine parity between EYP Status (EYPS) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS); a clearly-defined national pay framework; ongoing professional development entitlements and funding; post-accreditation specific support (New EYP entitlements); career progression routes throughout early years.

Helen Willis, Aspect’s EYP lead officer, said, “Early Years Professionals are emerging from their pathways as highly-skilled professionals with the potential to make a reality of the Government’s strategy to raise the quality of early years settings across the sector and give every child the best possible start in life and education.”

John Chowcat, Aspect General Secretary, added, “There is a growing gap between the rhetoric about EYPs as ‘graduate leaders’ in early years settings and the reality.

“Our charter sets out the minimum needed to renew progress in establishing higher professional standards in every early years setting."