Qualification types
There are two different routes to getting a qualification but both end up at the equivalent level.
Vocational Qualifications: These are college based courses where the students are taught the subject and they complete theoretical assignments. E.g. Certificate in Pre-School Practice, Diploma in Playwork. Assignments are marked by the training provider or external awarding body, an assessor does not visit your work setting. They vary as to how long each course is but all will require a ‘hands on’ placement with children in the correct setting, (i.e. you can’t do a playwork qualification with a placement in a pre-school setting). Generally a level 2 qualification is a certificate and a level 3 is a diploma but this doesn’t always work. Some of these courses can be done as distance learning.
Occupational qualifications: These are work based courses where an assessor comes into your setting and observes you at work. They will also test your ‘underpinning knowledge’ (i.e. that you know why you are doing things and not just doing them ‘parrot fashion’). These are at level 2, 3 and 4 and are known as NVQs. Some training providers offer ‘underpinning knowledge’ training sessions alongside the assessment visits, others just offer assessment visits. The level you undertake depends on your job role, knowledge and experience; you do not necessarily need to do level 2 before doing level 3; it is not a progression route.
Qualification levels
In general terms, if you are working in a supervised role then you are working at level 2. If you are working independently or supervising staff then you are working at level 3. (The Government’s vision is that in time Level 3 will become the occupational standard.) Further progression is available through level 4 qualifications for senior practitioners or managers, the Early Years Foundation Degree at Level 5 and Full Honours Degrees such as Early Childhood Studies.
The Early Years workforce is currently going through a transformation in order to become a world class workforce with graduate leadership. A new role has been created, the Early Years Professional. By 2010 Early Years Professionals will be leading and supporting practice in all Children’s Centres and by 2015 they will also be leading all early years full day care settings.
Information, Advice and Guidance
The Early Years and Childcare Workforce Development Team offers support with professional development through Training and Career Guidance Advisers. They are available to discuss training needs with individuals or groups and support them through their training. This service has been awarded the Matrix standard - the national quality mark for all organisations delivering information, advice and guidance services.
