Childcare Qualifications – NVQ, EYFS, EYPS, Diploma, Foundation Degree.
There are many different Childcare Qualifications, the level of qualification you have obtained will determine the involvement (supervised or unsupervised) you can have within a Childcare setting.
Below are the main Childcare Qualifications currently offered:
School Leavers – Preparing to go into Childcare:
- CACHE Entry Level Certificate in Preparation for Childcare
- CACHE Foundation Award in Caring for Children
- CACHE Level 2 Award, Certificate, Diploma in Child Care and Education
Nursery Assistants:
- CACHE NVQ Level 2 in Children's Care, Learning and Development
- CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Child Care and Education
- CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Pre-school Practice
Nursery Nurses:
- CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education
- CACHE NVQ Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development
- CACHE Level 3 Award, Certificate, Diploma in Child Care and Education
- CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Pre-school Practice
- BTEC National Diploma in children’s Care Learning and Development
In addition to the above, the NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing is still a recognised qualification in Early Years, although no longer offered, CACHE being the replacement for the NNEB.
Nursery Managers:
- CACHE Level 4 NVQ in Children's Care, Learning and Development
You can find out more about each of these individual qualifications by visiting the Cache website
Nursery Managers and senior practitioners are also able to obtain the following qualifications and accreditations:
Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies
The National Childcare Strategy has created an increased demand for well-qualified early years practitioners who can demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the needs of young children and their families in a range of early years settings.
The Degree in Early Childhood Studies qualification is designed for practitioners who are currently employed (either paid or voluntary) in an early years environment.
Employers within the sector recognise that the demands on their staff require education and training which not only meets the needs of the employer but offers the opportunity to develop personally and professionally.
Early Years Professional Status (EYPS)
EYPS is designed to be appropriate for anyone interested in working in early years, whether it is someone who already has a wealth of experience in early years, new graduates or people looking for a career change.
EYPS enables practitioners to build on their past experience, develop new skills and give them the confidence and ability to lead practice in the workplace and inspire other practitioners around them.
To obtain your EYPS you will need to hold a degree at the end of your training; this can be either non-related to Childcare or your degree in Early Childhood Studies. The type of degree you hold will determine the level of training required.
More information on the EYPS can be found here: http://www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/eyps
