A new qualification is being introduced to help practitioners acquire the skills and knowledge they need to effectively implement the EYFS when it comes into force in September 2008.
The level 3 Certificate in EYFS Practice is currently being developed by the Children's Workforce Development Council in partnership with the National Primary Strategy. It is expected to start in September.
Pauline Jones, CWDC's national development manager for early years, said, 'Everyone must be ready to deliver the EYFS and this certificate gives practitioners the opportunity to work towards it and gain accreditation, although it is not a full level 3 qualification.'
The new certificate forms part of the Government's 7m investment in training and support for the EYFS, to be made available in 2007-08. Each local authority will receive a share of this fund to boost training in the PVI sector and in primary schools.
The priority for PVI providers will be to raise the number of practitioners qualified to at least level 3.
The funding will also be used to support those with qualifications at level 3 and above to access EYFS-specific training and close any identified gaps.
Local authorities will have a duty to ensure funding targets the full range of local PVI providers, including childminders.
In schools, money has been allocated to help teachers access continuous professional development courses linked to the EYFS, and possibly to achieve level 3 qualifications such as the NVQ in Children's Care, Learning and Development. The fund will provide one additional day's supply cover per teacher.
There will also be funding released through the existing Transformation Fund. From this September, local authorities will be able to use it to fund EYFS training modules for the PVI workforce, whether or not practitioners are achieving a full level qualification.
