Qualifications and Training
Qualification levels in early years and childcare and playwork
There are a number of qualifications and short courses suitable for every stage of your career which help support your continued professional development.
The DEL Digital learning training website is the training website for early years and childcare practitioners in Devon and includes a range of short courses and e-learning opportunities (many of which are fully / part funded).
| Level | Description | Name of short course/qualification | Pre-requisites | How and where to access training / funding |
| Introduction | Common Core Induction training provides people with the basic skills and knowledge needed to work with children. | Common Core Induction training. | An interest in joining and working in the early years workforce. | Further details to follow (course in creation) |
| Level 2 | For front line practitioners who are working under supervision (e.g Nursery Assistant / Playworker). |
| Previous experience of working with children and young people (can be in a voluntary capacity) is beneficial. | 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. * |
| Level 3 | 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). |
| 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. | 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. * 24+ Advanced Learning Loans are available through the Education and Skills Funding Agency Funding is available for GCSE English and Maths through local colleges and Learn Devon, for more information please visit our financial support pages. |
| Level 4 | For experienced practitioners who carry out complex and non-routine tasks. For the Manager of an Early Years Nursery or out of school setting. |
| A Level 3 qualification. You will be a practising or aspiring Manager. | 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. * 24+ Advanced Learning Loans are available through the Education and Skills Funding Agency. |
Level 5 | For experienced practitioners who want to further develop their skills and knowledge by undertaking further study. |
| A Level 3 relevant qualification and considerable experience of working with children and young people. | Foundation Degrees are available through local colleges and universities in Devon: Exeter College, Petroc College, South Devon College, Plymouth University, and the University of St Mark and St John. Pen Green may also offer this locally according to demand. Student finance information is available on the GOV.UK website |
Level 6 | 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. |
For people who are currently not working in early years the following options are available:
| 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). | 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): |
Level 7 and above | Further training for practitioners who wish to progress from Degree level. |
| Contact training provider for further details. | Postgraduate student loans are available. Find further information on the GOV.UK website. |
Conferences | A range of conferences to update knowledge. | N/A | See individual websites. |
* For a list of approved Education and Skills Funding Agency training providers please visit their website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/skills-funding-agency.
For a list of training providers in the South West, please see the attached document.
EYupskill, supported by the Department for Education, is an independent training and development directory for anyone interested in the early years in England. The online directory will help you find the right training course to develop your career in early years.
Apprenticeships
The government have developed a new website to help you Find Apprenticeship Training.
Training for childminders
For more information about the process of becoming a childminder and the qualifications and training available please see our training for childminders page.