The Open University, in partnership with the National Day Nurseries Association, has filled 95 out of 100 places, but Middlesex University, in partnership with CACHE, still has 42 places to fill out of 50.
CACHE chief executive Richard Dorrance said he was confident that 25 places at Middlesex would be filled in time to start the course on 4 October, with a further 25 on schedule to start in late October.
He said, 'I think with the other universities a lot of the students are either on an early years degree or an education degree. Our pilot is for people who are working in childcare at the present and they are being targeted through ten local authorities.'
Mr Dorrance added, 'I think the Government targets for the EYP are right.
But I think they have overestimated the numbers who already have the knowledge and competence to achieve this qualification without extra training.'
Kingston University, Leeds Metropolitan University, the University of Hertfordshire and the University of Gloucestershire all have places to fill.
Finding the right potential candidates has proved difficult for some training providers, particularly those who do not run degree courses in childcare. Students finishing their degrees this year look set to make up a large number of the first batch of EYPs gaining accreditation by 31 January next year.
Kingston University, London, has filled 50 places and has the go ahead to place another ten candidates. Senior lecturer Ann Rawlings said, 'About half are home-grown and half are from outside boroughs. Quite a few have come through our university route, but it's a mixture of students of different ages.'
Jane Haywood, chief executive of the Children's Workforce Development Council, which devised the EYP role, said, 'Some candidates have a strong academic background and many have worked in the sector for a number of years. The standards for EYPS are rigorous and demanding no matter what background a candidate comes from. Phase two will see wider opportunities become available for those interested in achieving the status, and we expect more individuals to apply as a long-term career option.'
For information on applying go to www.cwdcouncil.org.uk.
