TAMESIDE has been included in a new government scheme aimed at attracting more qualified nursery teachers to areas where children face greater barriers to being school ready.
The Early Years Teacher Recognition Payment scheme, which launched this month in 10 areas, offers eligible nursery teachers a £4,500 bonus to help recruit and retain qualified staff in early years settings.
The programme is designed to support nurseries in communities where there are shortages of qualified teachers, while helping more children access high-quality early education.
Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner has welcomed Tameside’s inclusion, saying children across her constituency should have the same opportunities from the earliest years.
“Children growing up in Ashton, Audenshaw, Droylsden and Dukinfield deserve the best start in life,” she said.
“Just 58 per cent of children in the most deprived communities reach the desired level of development by the end of reception, compared to 77 per cent in the least deprived areas. The Government’s targeted scheme puts more qualified staff into the communities that have been left behind – levelling the playing field for every child.
“I’m delighted that the government is both recognising the vital contribution of local early years teachers and taking action to attract the best and brightest to Tameside’s nurseries. This way, we can boost our children’s life chances and save families money with more accessible and affordable childcare as we continue to tackle the cost of living.”
The scheme comes as figures show fewer than one in 10 nursery staff currently hold a graduate teaching qualification, despite evidence linking higher levels of staff qualification with improved outcomes for children.
The first 10 areas selected for the trial were chosen based on factors including deprivation, teacher shortages and school readiness levels. The scheme is expected to expand to a further 30 areas later this year.
Alongside the payment scheme, new partnership grants will allow nurseries, childminders and schools to work more closely together, sharing teaching approaches and strengthening links with families.
The government has also confirmed the creation of 18 new Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs, doubling the network across England. The hubs will provide training and support around areas including early language, maths and children’s personal, social and emotional development.
The measures form part of wider plans to increase the number of children reaching school readiness by 2028 and expand access to funded childcare.