The Early Years Foundations Stage Statutory Framework sets out the requirements for early years staff qualifications. In order to be able to count in the staff to child ratios within an early years setting you must ensure that all qualifications are deemed full and relevant by the Department for Education. For the latest information and to check qualifications please see Early Years qualification list. There are Level 2 Early Years Practitioner and Level 3 Early Years Educator qualifications available as well as Foundation degrees and higher education qualifications available.
If you need any advice just email the Early Years Workforce Development Advisor: Sharon. Lock@surreycc.gov.uk
. You can also subscribe to our Early Education and childcare e-bulletin and we'll keep you up to date with our training programme and news about qualifications.
Page contents
- Paediatric first aid
- Food hygiene
- Level 2 qualification
- Level 3 qualification
- Level 5 qualification
- Level 6 qualification
- Where can I gain these qualifications
- Early Years Skills Bootcamps
Paediatric first aid
Current guidance in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is that at least one person who holds a current paediatric first aid certificate (PFA) must be on the premises and available at all times, and must accompany children on outings (Early Years Foundation Stage 3.29). The training must be renewed every three years. It is the employer's duty to make sure that any training provider that they choose is competent to deliver the training and must cover the course content as for St John Ambulance or Red Cross paediatric first aid training. The Health and Safety Executive offers guidance on choosing a first aid training provider.
The EYFS also states that all staff who obtained a level 2 and/or level 3 qualification since 30 June 2016 must obtain a Paediatric First Aid (PFA) qualification within three months of starting work with a new employer, in order to be included in the required staff:child ratios at level 2 or level 3. To continue to be included in the ratio there continues to be a requirement that the certificate must be renewed every 3 years (3.31).
Food hygiene
In group provision, all staff involved in preparing and handling food must receive training in food hygiene (EYFS 3.56). Level 2 Food hygiene training will need to be sourced and funded independently. Be sure to check it is approved by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
Level 2 qualification
Level 2 qualifications allow you to work directly with children in early years settings under supervision. The Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner is the full and relevant qualification at this level to work in an early years setting. There are alternative playwork qualifications for those who work in out of school or wrap around care settings. Getting a qualification at a Level 2 is excellent preparation for progressing onto complete a Level 3 qualification. However, you do not need to complete a Level 2 before undertaking a Level 3 if the training provider / college feel you are a suitable candidate.
Level 3 qualification
Level 3 qualifications are for those who work unsupervised, planning and organising their own work and perhaps supervising others. You might be working as a practitioner in an early years or playwork setting, or be a childminder working on your own at home. There are a variety of full and relevant level 3 qualifications available, which include the T Level in Education and Early Years, The Early Years Educator Apprenticeship and Level 3 Diplomas which specify Early Years Educator (EYE). From September 2014, all full and relevant level 3 qualifications will all include Early Years Educator in their title.
Effective from January 2024 the Early years Foundation Stage (EYFS) now states that for staff to count in the ratios at level 3, all staff holding an Early Years Educator qualification must also have achieved a suitable level 2 qualification in English as defined by the Department for Education on the Early Years qualification list. (3.38). Level 2 functional skills are accepted alongside other suitable level 2 qualifications including GCSEs.
Level 5 qualifications
Qualifications at level 5 include the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner and undergraduate level qualifications such as a foundation degrees. Practitioners who have a minimum of 2 years experience of working with children 0-5 years and who hold a full and relevant Level 3 qualification, are encouraged to consider this as the next step in their career.
Level 6 qualifications
These qualifications enable credits to be added to a foundation degree to achieve a full ordinary or honours degree. Progression to become an Early Years Teacher and entry onto an Early Years Teacher programme is dependent on the final classification of your full degree. If you intend to follow this route you will also need to hold GCSE 4-9 grade in science, along with English and Maths.
Where can I gain these qualifications?
Most childcare qualifications will be gained while you work in a setting. There are a number of local colleges, private training providers and national distance learning centres that offer all qualification levels and Early Years Teacher Status.
Search for online and classroom courses near you, to help you get a job or develop your skills.
We recommend you contact a range of providers when considering undertaking training who will be able to advise about appropriate qualifications (linked to your role/level of responsibility), entry requirements and differing methods of study and assessment.
As most childcare qualifications have a work related focus, if you are not in employment you may like to volunteer in a local childcare setting.
Early Years Skills Bootcamps
Skills Bootcamps are offered by training providers and are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks. They are designed to equip learners with the fundamental knowledge and skills required to secure a role in the early years sector. They are usually delivered via blended learning options with online sessions alongside face-to-face teaching. They include topics such as health and safety, safeguarding, child development and the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
You need to be 19 years of age or over and have the right to work in the UK. You can be un-employed, self-employed or employed but looking to change career.
On completion of the programme you will have the opportunity to enrol in an accelerated level 3 early years educator apprenticeship.
