I am a long-standing early years practitioner who has tirelessly worked to build my career and expertise. I've devoted countless hours and energy towards my professional development, culminating in my qualification as an Early Years Teacher (EYT) with Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). However, despite being qualified, I'm confronted with an unjust barrier: I'm prohibited from teaching in a reception classroom at a state primary school, a restriction not faced by my counterparts teaching at academies.

This disparity not only affects my career but also undermines the significant contribution EYTS qualified teachers make to early childhood education. Our roles are pivotal in shaping young minds, providing a nurturing and enriching environment that fosters development and early learning. Research consistently shows that children who have access to high-quality early years education go on to achieve better educational outcomes throughout their lives.

By not recognising EYTS qualified teachers as equivalent to those with qualified teacher status (QTS), the current system devalues our qualifications and the critical work we do with young children. It disregards our expertise, training, and dedication, and most importantly, it limits access to quality early years education for children in state-funded schools.

I urge policymakers and educational authorities to amend the legislation to recognise EYTS as equivalent to QTS in reception classrooms. This change would not only provide deserving professionals with the recognition and opportunities they deserve but also enhance the quality of education in early years settings by allowing skilled educators to fully utilise their potential. Interestingly, current political pledges state the importance of supporting staff working with children, Labour quoted within the recent pledge,  'Labour will support staff working in childcare & early education so they are recognised for the skilled and important work they are doing'. Let's put this into practice.

Recognising EYTS in this framework ensures that all children, regardless of their school's status, have access to the same high standard of early education. This is a crucial step towards educational equality and excellence. Please sign this petition to support a change that will positively impact educators and the youngest members of our communities alike. Together, we can advocate for an equitable education system that respects and acknowledges the expertise of Early Years Teachers with EYTS.