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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.

To enable progression for learners who are unable to access a work placement due to the current restrictions, we have worked together with Ofqual, Department for Education (DfE), Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and UCAS to agree how learners can progress through a knowledge-only version of Early Years Educator or Early Years Practitioner qualifications. Read more about the knowledge only route.

Please see below the different qualification levels and where you can access the training (please note other training providers are available):

  • Description: Common Core Induction training provides people with the basic skills and knowledge needed to work with children.

    Name of short course/qualification: Common Core Induction training.

    Pre-requisites: An interest in joining and working in the early years workforce.

    Where to find training:

    Name of short course/qualification: Caring for Children -Level 1

    Pre-requisites: An interest in joining and working in the early years workforce

    Where to find training:

  • Description: 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.

    Pre-requisites: Previous experience of working with children and young people (can be in a voluntary capacity) is beneficial.

    Where to find training:

  • 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.

    Where to find training:

  • 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.

    Discover more about the T Level in Education and Childcare.

  • 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.

    Pre-requisites: A Level 3 qualification. You will be a practising or aspiring Manager.

    Where to find training:

  • 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.

    Where to find training:

  • 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.

  • 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:

    Funding for postgraduate study.

  • Description: A range of conferences to update knowledge. See individual websites for more information:

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    Career progression map

    A career in early education and childcare will help you support young children as they learn, develop and prepare for school. It is rewarding, full of variety and offers progression and different career paths as you grow in experience and confidence.

    Department for Education has worked with an expert reference group to develop an early years careers progression map. It is a tool for staff to plan their careers and for those interested in working in the sector to see the range of job roles and opportunities on offer.

    The map provides detailed information about different early years job roles, entry points and progression routes.

    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:

    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. Find out more about creating an account and how to use the website.

    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.

    Further careers support