Qualifications and Training
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.
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.
Please see below the different qualification levels and where you can access the training (please note other training providers are available):
| Level | Description | Name of short course/qualification | Pre-requisites | Where to find training |
| 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. | E-learning package provided by Virtual College |
| 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. | |
| 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. | |
| 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. |
|
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. |
|
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. | |
Conferences | A range of conferences to update knowledge. | N/A | See individual websites. |
Funding
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.
- You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of a course at a college or training provider in England.
- You may be able to borrow money through student finance to help pay for university or college tuition fees and to help with living costs.
- Funding for postgraduate study.
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:
- Exeter College
- Petroc College (Barnstaple and Tiverton)
- South Devon College
- City College Plymouth
- Learn Devon
Training website for Early Years and Childcare practitioners
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). To access the training website you need to be working in the early years and childcare sector or be a prospective childminder.
To request a DEL training account please contact us: eywd@devon.gov.uk
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.
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.
Apprenticeships
The government have developed a new website to help you find Apprenticeship Training.