Qualification levels
There are a number of qualifications and short courses suitable for every stage of your career which help support your continued professional development. Different qualifications are needed to perform certain roles in childcare and to be able to progress to higher levels. Please see below the different qualification levels and where you can access the training (please note other training providers are available).
- Please view our qualification database for a list of local training providers offering qualifications. Please contact the training provider for the most up-to-date information on the course and any funding available.
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Financial support
Devon County Council does not provide funding for qualifications. Learners can select a training provider of their choice; some offer reduced or fully funded training through contracts with the Education and Skills Funding Agency. You should contact the training provider directly to find out if there is any support available.
- See the financial support page for further information
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Checking qualifications are full and relevant
It is important that the qualification is deemed full and relevant by Ofsted and the Department for Education. You can check a qualification is full and relevant.
UK Ecctis – this service offers advice and guidance on qualifications awarded in the UK and brings back the early years statement for qualifications awarded outside of the UK.
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Introduction/Level 1
Name of short course/qualification: Common Core Skills and Knowledge
Common Core describes the skills and knowledge for everyone working with children and young people, reflecting a set of common values that promotes diversity, equality, and respect. It is the required training for anyone wishing to register on the voluntary part of the Ofsted childcare register.
Please note that we do not endorse any particular training provider. You will need to make your own informed choice as to which training you undertake. Costs may vary.
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Level 2
For front line practitioners who are working under supervision (e.g Nursery Assistant / Playworker).
Name of short course/qualification:
- Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce
- Level 2 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Playwork.
Previous experience of working with children and young people (can be in a voluntary capacity) is beneficial.
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Level 3
Description: For practitioners who are working on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and supervising others. (e.g Nursery Manager, Pre-School Leader or Senior Playworker)
Name of short course/qualification:
- Level 3 Early Years Educator
- Level 3 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Playwork
- Level 3 Transitional Award from Early Years to Playwork.
Pre-requisites:
Previous experience of working with children and young people (in a paid or voluntary capacity). A Level 2 qualification may be required, although with relevant experience it is possible to start at Level 3. For the Early Years Educator qualifications, Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths are required. For the Transitional Award you need to hold a relevant Level 3 early years qualification.
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T Levels
T Levels are equivalent to 3 A Levels. The 2-year courses have been co-designed with employers and businesses to ensure the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work.
The core element of a T Level in Education and Childcare focusses on developing knowledge and understanding in topics such as child development, safeguarding and SEN, as well as learning about the role of families and support agencies. It also provides the opportunity to examine the specifics of social interaction, how language is acquired, behaviour development, and building skills in becoming a reflective practitioner with an understanding of the broader context of education.
The T Level also incorporates a specialism, designed to support learner interests and explore deeper into a chosen subject to develop and practice the skills needed for an occupation. Specialist modules available are Early Years Education, Assisting Teaching or supporting and mentoring students in further and higher education.
The final compulsory element is a substantial industry placement of around 45 days, offering the opportunity to work with an employer such as a school or nursery and get genuine experience of being in the workplace whilst continuing studies.
The T Level Technical Qualification in Education and Childcare delivered by NCFE meets the Early Years Educator criteria and is listed on the DfE’s approved qualifications list.
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Level 4
Description: For experienced practitioners who carry out complex and non-routine tasks. For the Manager of an Early Years Nursery or out of school setting.
Name of short course/qualification:
- Level 4 in Leadership and Management.
- Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Early Years.
A Level 3 qualification. You will be a practising or aspiring Manager.
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Level 5
Description: For experienced practitioners who want to further develop their skills and knowledge by undertaking further study.
Name of short course/qualification:
- Early Years Foundation Degree (Level 5)
- Level 5 in Playwork
- Level 5 in Leadership and Management.
Pre-requisites: A Level 3 relevant qualification and considerable experience of working with children and young people.
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Level 6
Description: Practitioners who wish to top up their Foundation Degree to a full Degree. Early Years Teacher Status is available for those that lead practice across birth to five years old, to recognise their expertise as a graduate practitioner and professional leader. More information about Early Years Teacher Status can be found on the training pages.
Name of short course/qualification:
- BA (Hons) top up
- Early Years Teacher Status
For people who are currently not working in early years the following options are available:
- BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
- PGCE (Early Years)
Pre-requisites:
Level 5 Foundation Degree is required for the top up. To achieve Early Years Teacher Status you will need to undertake one of four available training pathways (depending on your current qualifications and experience).
Where to find training:
The following training providers offer the BA (Hons) top up:
The following training providers offer Early Years Teacher Status:
The following training providers offer BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies and PGCE (Early Years):
Get into teaching with support and advice from the Department for Education.
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Level 7 and above
Description: Further training for practitioners who wish to progress from Degree level.
Name of short course/qualification:
- Masters options
- CPD opportunities to gain Masters credits
- PhD options
Pre-requisites: Contact training provider for further details.
Where to find training:
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Conferences
Description: A range of conferences to update knowledge. See individual websites for more information:
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Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy qualifications
If you wish to complete a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, you also need a suitable level 2 literacy and numeracy qualification to count towards the EYFS staff:child ratios at level 3.
Some colleges and training companies may provide funding towards literacy and numeracy qualifications (such as GCSEs). Please contact the following organisations for further information:
- Further careers support