It’s beyond question that the Early Years workforce is the sectors biggest asset. Therefore it is imperative that the workforce is built on foundations that allow expert Early Years Professionals to develop and enrich the learning environment in our settings. In recognition for this, the DFE have launched a 12-week consultation to seeks views on the proposed qualifications criteria for the Level 2 Early Years Assistant. The consultation closes on 28 February 2018.
Plans to develop criteria for the Level 2 qualifications were outlined in the Government’s Early Years Workforce Strategy, published in March. Level 2 is equivalent to grades A to C at GCSE.
The strategy said that Level 2 needed to be revised because recruiting and retaining Level 2 staff is difficult and the content of level 2 qualifications does not always give the trainees the knowledge and skills to practise effectively. It was difficult for employers to recognise a suitable qualification.
The proposed qualification criteria states that candidates will be required to demonstrate, skills, knowledge and understanding in the following areas:
- knowledge of child development;
- safeguarding;
- health and safety
- health and well-being;
- communication;
- support the planning of and deliver activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes;
- support children with special educational needs and disabilities;
- own role and development;
- working with others – parents, colleagues and other professionals.
The new Level 2 qualifications are expected to be available for delivery by September 2019.
In his foreword on the consultation document, children and families minister Robert Goodwill said, ‘The early years workforce is our sector’s biggest asset, and critical to ensuring that all children are given the best start in life. I am very pleased to be consulting on strengthening the criteria for new Level 2 qualifications for the early education and childcare workforce.
‘This provides a real opportunity for us to work with the sector to develop a high quality early years workforce to support our youngest children in their early development and learning. I am determined to reduce the development gap between disadvantaged children and their peers at age five. Having clearly defined criteria for Level 2 early years qualifications will help us to achieve this. It will also provide a progression route for those who wish to move on to a level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
‘We have drawn on the expertise within the sector to develop the proposed criteria and I look forward to hearing your views.’
To take part in the consultation click here
