Consultation: Criteria for Early Years Educator qualifications (Level 3)

What is it all about? As part of the government’s plans to improve childcare, the Department for Education is proposing to introduce of new qualifications for early years educators from September 2014. It is hoped that more robust qualifications will help ensure that practitioners are better skilled. Under the plans, training providers will develop courses for prospective early years educators. The courses will take around two years to complete and entrants will be expected to have secured at least a C grade in GCSE English and mathematics to take part. Training providers will be expected to include a high level of practical work experience in their courses, normally only with early years providers rated as good or outstanding.

What are the main points? The government wants views on the new qualifications. It is proposed that the content of the course should show that candidates are able to do six things: provide children’s early education and development from birth to the age of five; deliver “effective teaching” and learning that prepares children for school; be able to make “accurate and productive use” of assessment; develop effective and informed practice; safeguard and promote the health, safety and welfare of children; and work in partnership with parents and carers. Candidates will be expected to produce the majority of their evidence of performance from observed practice, with children, in a real work environment. However, the evidence could also be provided through a witness testimony from a manager, supervisor or colleague, or a learning journal completed by the candidate.

Who can have a say? The consultation is open to the general public, although the government is keen for views from parents and carers, nurseries and other pre-school settings, local authorities, awarding organisations, training providers, early years practitioners, childminders, schools, and teachers.

When does it close? 22 April

How will the results be made public? The results of the consultation and the government’s response will be published on the DfE website in the summer. The Teaching Agency will also publish the criteria for the new qualifications in the summer, with awarding organisations developing qualifications in time for introduction from September 2014.