Your valued opinions needed - thank you!

[wilmabarnie]

Dear Students

I am writing to gratefully ask for your assistance.

After previously completing my Foundation Degree through the Open University, I am now currently completing my dissertation for my BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Studies which involves research into your views as experienced practitioners. My study questions the link between higher qualifications and the outcomes for children, and whether practioners feel supported in their studies by the government as a result of its recent initiatives.

I would therefore be extremely grateful if you could find the time to answer the following questionnaire. There are no wrong or write answers as I would like your honest opinions please.

Please be assured that all information you supply will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Your name will not be used in any of my data analysis documentation thus guaranteeing anonymity.

Your participation is entirely voluntary and you are free to withdraw your completed questionnaire by contacting me at g.obrien60@ntlworld.com at any time, without giving a reason.

Ethical approval for this study has been agreed by Staffordshire University and all procedures will adhere to the University's Research Governance.

Dr Carol Hayes and Ann Whitehouse from Staffordshire University are overseeing this research project and can be contacted should you have any queries about your participation in this reasearch on Tel No: 01782 294879 or by email at either a.e.whitehouse@staffs.ac.uk or c.hayes@staffs.ac.uk

(May I take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your valued time).


I hereby confirm that I have read and understood the above points and by completing and returning this questionnaire I give my consent for my answers to be used in your research study.


RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE

1. Name:

2. Age:

3. Job Title:

4. Type of setting currently working in:

5. Current Ofsted rating of setting:

6. Were you present and in charge during Ofsted inspection:

7. Level of current qualification:

8. Qualification you are currently studying for:

9. Further qualifications intended to study in the future (if any):

When:
Why:

10. Why did you decide to study for your:

First early year's qualification?:
The qualification you are currently studying?:

11. Who did you choose to study with and why?:


(FOR THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS, IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY HELPFUL IF YOU WOULDN'T MIND EXLAINING YOUR ANSWERS FURTHER, RATHER THAN JUST REPLYING YES OR NO - THANK YOU SO MUCH, IT IS MUCH APPRECIATED)


12. Do you intend to gain EYPS?:

(Please explain reason for answer):


13. Do you believe that the success of an early years setting is affected by the manager's/leader's level of qualification?:

(Please explain reason for answer):


14. When implementing new frameworks such as the Early Years Foundation Stage into your setting, do you believe that the level of qualification your staff have impacts on it's success?

(Please explain reason for answer):


15. Do you believe the UK Government's Early Years 10 year Plan/Strategy supports the promotion of early years' qualifications through:

Increased pay:
(Further comment please - why?):

Increased status for early years workers:
(Further comment please - why?):

Professional recognition for the female workforce:
(Further comment please - why?):


16. Has your opinion of the importance of highly qualified staff within the early years sector changed:

Over time:
(Further comment please - why?):

As a direct result of your studies:
(Further comment please - why?):

(If for any reason you experience problems replying to this email and wish to participate, please email you contact details to my personal email address at g.obrien60@ntlworld.com and I will post a copy of the questionnaire to you with a S.A.E. for your convenience - Thank You)