As the reader rightly states, Early Years Professional (EYP) status will help the early years sector gain the recognition it deserves. However, it is incorrect to say that 'it is going to be given out like candy.'
The whole idea of EYP status is that it will recognise both practical and academic skills. Some individuals may already have the right skills and experience and will require very little extra development. Others may require longer-term training. EYP status also recognises the value of individuals who have worked in the sector for many years - it is not a matter of simply parachuting lots of graduates in. The standards for EYP status are currently out for consultation, and when these are finalised, individuals will be able to match their own skills and knowledge to these and see what areas they need to work on in order to achieve EYP status.
Achieving it will require a very high level of skills and experience - there will be no shortcuts.
We would urge the reader to take a look at the current draft standards by visiting www.cwdcouncil.org.uk so that they can see how EYP status will potentially work in practice. The CWDC would welcome any comments the reader may have and if they would like to get in touch with us, we would be happy to advise about how they can become an EYP.
Jane Haywood, chief executive, Children's Workforce Development Council * See Special Report, page10
