Nursery World - College investigated after complaint over Level 3 advert

A distance-learning college is being investigated by the
Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) following a complaint that an advert on its website for a Level 3 qualification in childcare was misleading.

The qualification was the Children and Young People's Workforce Early Learning and Childcare Level 3 Diploma offered by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, offered in 2011.

Last year, Nursery World revealed there was confusion over the status of the same Level 3 diploma offered by Stonebridge and approved by the awarding body NCFE. We were subsequently contacted by students, nurseries and training organisations with similar stories about Level 3 childcare qualifications, on offer at other distance-learning colleges.

The courses are accredited at Level 3, but can be typically completed in just a few months, without a requirement to have any practical experience of working with children.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included