E-portfolio training company People and Business Development has confirmed that more than 70 candidates have signed up since the qualification launched last month.
City & Guilds developed a specialist Level 5 childcare qualification in response to considerable demand from employers for a better progression from Level 3.
The new Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for the Children and Young People's Workforce (Early Years) is aimed at senior practitioners and deputy managers working in early years settings.
PBD director Ross Midgley said, 'At Level 5, the diploma is at the same level as the second year of a foundation degree, although it is smaller. There is huge interest in something which is delivered in the workplace, but which is demanding and which can provide a bridge to higher education for those who want it,' he said.
It has 80 credits compared with 240 for a foundation degree.
Dr Francisca Veale, (right), previously programme leader for early years at the University of Bournemouth for the Early Years Foundation Degree and the BA (Hons) Early Years Education and Care, reviewed the Level 5 qualification's course materials, the assessment process and the online teaching resources for PBD early years training provider.
Dr Veale edited and contributed chapters to the new textbook for students, Early Years for Level 4, 5 and the Foundation Degree, which has just been published by Hodder Education.
She advised PBD on the programme design and delivery for the new Level 5 City & Guilds qualification and suggested how PBD could liaise with colleges and universities to offer top-up modules to take the course up to a Level 6, in preparation for the Early Years Teacher qualification.
'The course offers a challenging and unique route to students to progress to EYT,' Dr Veale said.
'It's specifically aimed at leaders and managers and can prepare them for EYT. EYTs will be asked to lead on the curriculum and support children and families.'
She said that with more of a focus now on early intervention, and with the introduction of the two-year-old check, practitioners would be expected to work in a more multi-agency way, for example by attending case conferences with social workers and families.
Dr Veale said, 'This would be unheard of ten years ago. Early Years Practitioners need to be trained appropriately to work with social workers and parents.'
Standards for Early Years Teachers are currently out for consultation, with a final version expected in June.
Most EYP courses are expected to start to offer the EYT qualification as Early Years Professional Status is phased out, when it comes on board from September. Dr Veale added, 'This year will be a transition year. In the main, the content won't change drastically.'
Geraldine Donworth, portfolio adviser at City & Guilds, told Nursery World that registrations had been made from students at a number of centres for the Level 5, on both the advanced practice and management pathways.
'This qualification provides an important progression route for individuals seeking to further develop their knowledge and skills in advanced practice and management of early years settings. We are continuing to explore how this new qualification will be able to complement higher education programmes, while keeping a close eye on any further developments from the National College for Teaching and Leadership, and the Department for Education,' she said.
'City & Guilds will support the implementation of this new Level 5 Diploma by providing a series of quality Improvement Events, which we intend to roll out in the summer. These events will help to ensure that City & Guilds centres are equipped to offer a high quality learning and assessment experience to their learners.'
Funding
The new diploma has been approved for funding until 31 July. Details can be found here and by entering the individual qualification QAN numbers, e.g. 600/8165/X in the search facility.
- More details from City & Guilds here
To contact Geraldine Dunworth email geraldine.donworth@cityandguilds.com
- More information on the new early years Level 5 Diploma at PBD here or call 01440 731731.
