Which are the best qualifications for early years staff?
Your experience and qualifications combined will determine which job roles you would be able to apply for. Managers are generally expected to hold a Level 4 or above and have previous managerial experience too.
Generally, early years practitioners are expected to hold at least a Level 2 but now it is becoming common to see nurseries expecting a minimum of Level 3 for employees. If you feel you or your staff don’t have the right qualifications, don’t fret, there are plenty of available options to obtain them.
Here is a list of the most widely accepted qualifications for EY practitioners. Various awarding bodies support these qualifications and you’re sure to find somewhere local enough for you to begin studying, all you need to do is Google the qualification title to find out more.
Level 3 NVQ in Caring for Children and Young People
Level 3 NVQ in Childcare and Education
Level 3 NVQ in Children’s Care, Learning and Development
Level 3 NVQ in Early Years Care and Education
Level 3 NVQ in Play Work
Level 3 Diploma in Play Work (NVQ)
Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (Early Learning and Childcare)
The NNEB Certificate and Diploma are considered full and relevant at Level 3
If you’re a qualified teaching assistant at Level 3 already, or similar, this is also accepted as a relevant Level 3 qualification for early years teaching. Here is a list of other relevant qualifications which can be transferred in to childcare employment:
Level 3 NVQ for Teaching Assistants
Level 3 NVQ in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Level 3 Diploma in Support Work in Schools
Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support in Teaching and Learning
Level 3 National Diploma in Specialist Support in Teaching and Learning
Level 3 Certificate in Support Work in Schools
To find out more about Early Years qualifications, you can use the gov.uk website here
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