RE: RE: Living in the UK on a childcare wage.
by: kimme - 09-04-10 22:48
Hi All,
Well, I for one am really pleased to hear someone else talking with such passion about their chosen careers.
I have been in the position of supporting (temporarily) 2 adults on a Nursery Nurses wage. Though this was about seven years ago now. Being employed by a County Council my wage would have been better than many private sector posts - it also meant that I had the school holidays to find extra work.
It was a very stressful time, but yes it was possible though life was certainly "on the edge". I would definitely agree that it can be a very positive experience, though I am delighted to no longer be in this situation.
At the time I was too engrossed in getting by to think too much about it but on reflection I do feel quite bitter. Back then I couldn't even consider starting my own family. Yet I look around and see so many families (especially in this line of work) where there is no wage earner and yet there are no such concerns about "getting by" indeed there seems to be plenty for what I consider luxuries (even now).
There are numerous aspects to this debate but I too am shocked that so many seem to be supporting the case for low pay. Is it a living wage? If we don't believe in ourselves then how can we expect anyone else to believe in us? If don't believe in ourselves, are we really the right people to be playing such a key part in young children's lives?
I am very proud of my NN diploma. I know how much I and the others on my course put into actually getting the qualification (13 years ago). It was no foregone conclusion- less than half of those who started actually got their certificate. It seems as though standards have slipped but that does not take away my knowledge, qualiifactions and experience!
I am currently trying to stop plans by our county council to make NN's obselete - this will mean losing our titles so that they can justify cutting our pay by a third (bringing us in line with unqualified Teaching Assistants) what a joke. Is this what we want for the future of childcare and education? Is this what we want our country to aspire to? Is this what parents beleive in? Is this why I have been paying a union for?
I know that there may be some working in the private sector who feel that if they aren't getting it why should we in state settings? We all need to stop taking this so personally and start asking some more fundamental questions. Is this quality? Now seems like a good time to be questioning MPs directly. I for one have been amazed......the children we care for now represent the future of this country......we need to stand up and be counted not just for ourselves but the greater good.