Nursery World - National Occupational Standards

The Children's Workforce Development Council's third and final consultation event on the review of the National Occupational Standards for Children's Care Learning and Development achieved consensus on the need to close gaps around specific areas of practice such as play based learning.

The aim of the London event was to take a look at what is new and examine some of the existing standards in detail to ensure they remain fit for purpose for the sector. Jane Roe, project manager, Business and Performance Directorate at the CWDC, said that the current 85 standards reflect the wide range of job roles which involve working with the 0 - 16 year age range and invited participants to think about them in the context of supervision and management.

During the morning discussion there was emphasis from some delegates that the standards should reflect the play-based curriculum of the EYFS, and the growing importance of multi agency working was key in feedback. It was also suggested that there should be more around safeguarding, cultural perceptions and how Early Years Professional Status standards linked to the NOS. A 'wish list for change' outlined that the standards could be more age specific and easier to navigate.

CWDC recognised that making the NOS relevant and understandable to all levels of the workforce was a challenge, given that sector employees range from school leavers to school head teachers. It said that finding robust ways for the NOS to be fulfilled and evidenced was vital.

The CWDC consultation events have been part of a UK-wide programme considering the NOS in different contexts. Revisions made to the NOS will also reflect issues raised across the UK partnership of Skills for Care and Development, of which CWDC is a part.

From July onwards CWDC will be analysing feedback and compiling 'change logs', enabling all those who have had input to see how their comments have been used. Proposed revisions to the NOS will be available for the sector to view on its website from September onwards when it will be inviting further feedback.

NOS timeline