Children could become Vickys (From Oxford Mail)

Children could become Vickys

9:33am Friday 4th August 2006 in

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Some of the most important matters facing our schools were examined at a high-profile teaching conference in Oxford - but so was Little Britain grotesque Vicky Pollard.

The Professional Association of Teachers met at the Oxford Hotel, in Godstow Road, to discuss such issues as stress, pensions and assertiveness.

But there was a warning that nursery staff who discuss their nights out drinking in front of toddlers risk creating a generation of "Vicky Pollards".

Chairman of the association Deborah Lawson said too many students starting childcare training courses write using only the shorthand language of text messages.

And growing numbers of young staff in nurseries dress inappropriately, with long nails and "chunky" shoes, and discuss their social lives in front of children, she said.

The situation risks creating a generation of toddlers who will resemble the infamous character whose "Yeah-but, no-but" catchphrase helped make TV comedy Little Britain such a hit.

Ms Lawson, 49, said: "I don't want to trivialise this in any way at all, but we don't want a future generation of Vicky Pollards.

"I'm not saying that is going to happen, but that's the worst-case scenario."

She went on: "As a nanny or a nursery worker, you are acting as role models for children. Therefore it is no good if your spelling and understanding of language is only as good as your ability to text."

Her remarks followed a high-profile Government drive to raise the standards of nursery education in England, with moves to expand free childcare for three- and four-year-olds.

Schools will also be expected to open earlier and close later in the evenings to give parents more childcare options.

But Ms Lawson criticised the Government's recruitment campaigns for failing to raise the quality of staff.

Some nursery workers even discussed in front of toddlers how hungover they were feeling after a night on the town, she said.

"I don't want to stop anybody doing that (drinking): if that's what works for you, that's fine.

"But that particular baggage needs to stay at the front door when you walk in."

She said standards among nursery staff were in decline and had been for at least 10 years. The national recruitment campaigns that the Government have put out have not necessarily helped because there is the perception almost that anybody can do this.

"That is not the case."

At the conference, which ended yesterday, Ms Lawson tabled a motion which called for "minimum entry standards for those entering childcare training courses".

A spokesman for the Department for Education and Skills rejected the criticisms.

He said: "This completely ignores the true picture of what is happening and is profoundly insulting to those working hard in our early years and childcare sector.

"We are absolutely committed to creating a world-class childcare workforce."

The Government has already started work to improve recruitment and retention of staff and establish a more professional workforce.

The Children's Workforce Development Council will also work with the Government to improve the qualifications system for nursery staff, he said.