Calls for a new kindergarten teaching qualification

May 27 2008

Teachers of younger children should be equipped with an extra qualification to improve standards in England's schools, according to a thinktank.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) has called for the introduction of a Kindergarten Postgraduate Certificate in Education for teachers of pupils aged between three and seven, while teaching assistants should also be given extra training, argues the organisation.

And there should also be a better support system should be in place to increase the wellbeing of primary school pupils, notes the forthcoming report, Thursday's Child.

"Children's well-being is fundamental to their learning", stated research fellow at ippr and the lead author of the report Sonia Sodha, calling for a "network of counsellors" to be available for younger students.

"We need long-term reform that better gears our school system around the needs of children and young people," added Ms Sodha.

Teachers can now carry out assessment more effectively due to the availability of more information and accountability, former government adviser Conor Ryan told the BBC earlier this month.

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