A leading trade union has set up the first body representing early years professional status (EYPS) workers.

In the absence of a clearly defined pay structure for Early Years workers, I applaud Aspect for their insight in putting themselves forward as the first trade union to represent EYPS workers. I agree that EYPS workers are a 'pretty new professional group', but professionals in the Early Years workforce are not. Could this be the trade union role model that the workforce has been waiting for? Margaret Simms M. Ed., Cert.Ed, Early Years Consultant ProCEEd www.proceedc.com proceed@proceedc.com

If EYPS is to be equivalent to qualified teacher status then they should also be rquired to attened university or encourage EYS teachers to work for periods in the private sector or even more important all staff in private sectors should have worked or had part of their training in schools