This is certainly a testament to the hard graft and dedication of those working in the early years sector, many of whom have studied for a degree and then undertaken EYPS since the programme began in 2006.
So we can all celebrate the progress made. But we can't forget that there are various question marks hanging over the future of early years workforce development and qualifications.
EYPS has got funding for another year under the administration of the Children's Workforce Development Council, but longer-term prospects are not clear. Meanwhile, graduate leader funding has ended and local authorities are withdrawing funding for early years foundation degree students.
At Level 3, unhappiness is growing with the Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce, as its shortfalls in areas such as child development and play become apparent (see Analysis, pages 10-11). The plan to replace all other Level 3 qualifications with the CYPWD is looking less sustainable, with CACHE working on a two-year version and Edexcel developing an additional qualification.
While we wait for the Government to make its intentions on the early years workforce known, it is increasingly difficult for employers and staff to know which direction to take. The very fluid situation, allied to a lack of information, could cause a lot of confusion indeed.
Nursery World Awards extension
It's never a bad time to celebrate best practice, of course, and the deadline for the Nursery World Awards has been extended to 3 June. So if you know of a brilliant Early Years Professional, you need to shout about it!
