Employers win battle for Level 2 qualification

The Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) has confirmed it is developing a Level 2 certificate for early years, social care and learning development support services.

An A-level-equivalent qualification for these sectors is already being prepared, under the title of the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce. It is intended to replace all existing Level 3 qualifications to become the only one valid for those entering the workforce from next September.

But concerns had been raised in the early years sector that a Level 2 qualification is needed as a stepping stone for inexperienced employees.

Michael Freeston, director of quality improvement for the Pre-school Learning Alliance, said: "CWDC received strong views from the childcare sector and we are pleased it has listened." He added that there must be a work-based assessment in the qualification to ensure students can apply skills to their chosen sector.

A CWDC spokeswoman said: "Employers have said they need practitioners who are committed to continuing to improve their practice and who will aim to progress to Level 3. Therefore, CWDC supports the development of a Level 2 certificate for delivery in England."