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In this blog Hazel Eastwood-Powell Director of Training for People that Care talks about early years qualifications and the benefits of studying for an early year’s qualification
What is the difference between accredited and non-accredited training?
Accredited training is a course or program that has been officially recognised by a relevant awarding body, regulatory authority, or industry organisation for meeting specific quality and competency standards. Accredited training is provided by approved training centres, which are institutions or organisations that have been officially recognised by an awarding body or regulatory authority to deliver high-quality education and training.
Non-accredited training is valuable for professional development and career growth but does not replace formal qualifications required for regulated roles (e.g., Early Years Educator).
Full and relevant early years qualifications
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to five years old in England. It ensures that all early years providers, including childminders, nurseries, preschools, and reception classes, follow a consistent framework to support children’s growth in key areas.
In early years settings the manager of the setting must hold an approved qualification of level 3 or above and at least half of all other staff must hold at least an approved level 2 qualification. An approved qualification is defined by the Department for Education as meeting the criteria set out in the Early Years Qualification Requirements and Standards document. You can find the DfE early yeas qualifications checker here Early years qualification requirements and standards – GOV.UK
Educators wishing to undertake a level 3 childcare qualification that meets DfE criteria need to study and achieve the Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) (sometimes referred to as EYE). This qualification is designed for individuals who want to work with children from birth to five years and gain knowledge of children up to seven years. The diploma covers a range of essential topics, including:
- Child Development– Understanding how children grow and learn.
- Safeguarding & Welfare– Ensuring children’s safety and well-being.
- Health & Nutrition– Supporting healthy lifestyles.
- Planning & Assessment– Observing and supporting children’s learning.
- Partnership Working– Engaging with parents, carers, and professionals.
- Special Educational Needs (SEN)– Supporting diverse learning needs.
Other accredited training qualifications
There is also a range of smaller accredited training courses, these courses are not full and relevant early years qualifications, but they are useful to explore if you have a specific interest or would like to specialise in a specific area of child development. For example, a L3 Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators in Early Years Settings SENCo which will help you to gain essential knowledge to undertake a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator role within an early years childcare setting. The SENCo qualification also has units on Speech, Language and Communication. If you want to advance your professional development you could consider studying for a Level 4 Early Years Advanced Practitioner or the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner. Please follow the hyperlinks to my website to explore these qualifications in more detail!
Benefits of Undertaking an Early Years Qualification
Having an Early Years Qualification shows that you have reached a certain level of knowledge, skills, and competence required to work with young children in early years settings. For example, the level 3 Early Years Educator (EYE) and L2 Early Years Practitioner (EYP) give early years educators a licensed to practice within the EYFS qualified staff ratios.
Early years qualifications can provide:
- Understanding Child Development
- Gain a deep understanding of physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development in children from birth to 8 years.
- Learn how to support children at different stages of growth effectively.
- Improved Practice and Confidence
- Develop practical skills in creating engaging and safe learning environments.
- Build confidence in handling challenges, managing behaviour, and fostering positive relationships with children and families.
- Professional Credibility
- Achieving a recognized qualification demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the profession.
- Opens doors to regulated roles that require specific credentials.
- Enhanced Communication and Leadership Skills
- Develop the ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and colleagues.
- Gain skills in teamwork, leadership, and decision-making critical to early years settings
Potential career opportunities available in the early years sector.
There are various career opportunities and pathways in the early years sector. Here are some examples:
- Nursery Practitioner
- Work in private or school nurseries, providing care and education to young children as a Level 2 or Level 3 practitioner
- Teaching Assistant
- Supporting teachers in primary schools, focusing on the early years curriculum – provide a link to class room assistant courses
- Childminder
- Operate your own childcare business from home or provide care in a private setting. Please enquire if you are interested in our CYPOP5 L3 award for home-based childcarers.
- Early Years Teacher (EYT)
- Plan and deliver learning activities for children in early education settings.
- Family Support Worker
- Assist families in creating supportive environments for children’s development.
- Specialist Roles
- Opportunities to work in areas such as speech and language therapy, SEND support, or play therapy.
- Progression to Higher Roles
- With experience and further qualifications, pursue leadership roles such as Nursery Manager or Early Years Coordinator with our Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner. This is an advanced qualification designed for experienced early years professionals who want to take on leadership and management roles in childcare and education settings.
- By undertaking an early year’s qualification, you not only contribute to shaping young minds but also open up a fulfilling and varied career path.
NCFE/CACHE approved centre
I have worked in early years since 1991 with various roles including owning my own nursery for 12 years, working in a further education college for 14 years and running my own NCFE centre Training for people that Care since 2019 providing accredited Early years, Residential care training, Teaching Assistants and Health and Social Care qualifications. We have also support staff with mental health training. Please enquire for more information/costs.
Here’s a testimony from one of my students:
‘I will use this knowledge in my setting, and I will be able to make changes through reflections. We have made many changes thus allowing us to maintain our Ofsted rating Outstanding. We have done our audit, changed the policies, and made a welcome pack. We have also developed systems to track the children, and to improve our staff skills and training’.
Safeena Ahmah Deputy Manager- Participated in Special Educational Needs Management 4
