Lisa Trey, Premier Early Years Training
YES
As an NCFE/CACHE accredited early years training provider, we have been working with independent and small chain nurseries for some time and are aware of the real shortage of good early years workers.
The recent announcement after consultation of the Experienced-Based Route being introduced can benefit some early years workers, but strict guidance needs to be in place and this needs to be regulated by Ofsted.
'For some of the workforce, this route is a great option'
For some of the early years workforce, this route is a great option; learners and settings must be aware that this is a status and not a qualification, but with existing experience and qualifications that have not been recognised as full and relevant, this is a great option for the setting and the team member.
Decisions on whether a learner is working at a Level 3 standard following the Level 3 specification must be strictly monitored, otherwise it can be left to misuse. Assessors with experience are still best placed to make the decisions and are used to making judgments against set criteria.
Learners who have completed degrees/qualifications without practical observation being carried out, and who can demonstrate the relevant knowledge to the Level 3 specification, are ideal for this route.
In many early years settings, staff have gained qualifications working with children that have not been recognised as full and relevant in early years. They have a vast amount of experience and can now have the recognition that they are working as a Level 3.
Others in the workforce who have qualifications from abroad and years of experience and can demonstrate they are working to the Level 3 standards can also progress within their settings.
Learners who qualified during Covid-19 and did not complete the full diploma due to not being observed in their settings will also have the opportunity to gain their Level 3 status.
By implementing this new route to a Level 3 status, people in the sector who feel undervalued because of their qualifications can now have the recognition they deserve.
Settings need to be able to make judgements as to whether their staff are working at Level 3 and need to ensure children's best interests are at the heart of their decisions. With this in mind, as a training provider, we can support settings to help their staff gain the Level 3 status.
Amy Alderson, director, Aspire Operations
NO
The Department for Education's proposed Experience-Based Route (EBR) is a reckless shortcut that threatens the quality and integrity of early years education.
By allowing unqualified assessors to determine competency without independent oversight, this initiative risks lowering standards, devaluing recognised qualifications, and ultimately compromising the care and development of young children. It completely undermines the further education (FE) sector, which has long upheld rigorous training and assessment standards.
'The EBR is a reckless shortcut that threatens quality of education'
The guidance states that an assessor must simply hold a Level 3 qualification and have two years of experience in early years settings. There is no requirement for an assessor to hold any formal qualification in assessment, which calls into question the validity and reliability of assessment decisions. The guidance also allows early years providers to assess up to 50 per cent of the Level 3 EYE criteria without independent oversight. This creates a significant risk of inconsistency and subjectivity in assessments, leading to a dilution of standards and discrepancies in competency among practitioners.
If FE providers must meet strict requirements to assess learners, why should early years managers be exempt? While we acknowledge the sector's workforce challenges, fast-tracking individuals through an unregulated process is not the answer. The rush to fast-track individuals through this process risks compromising the development and safety of children. Nursery managers are already overburdened with operational responsibilities and do not have the capacity to take on assessor duties effectively.
It appears that the DfE haven't considered the fact that anybody going down the EBR route will not be eligible for EYE apprenticeship funding in the future due to the KSBs already being covered but no qualification to actually prove this. This could result in many individuals being left in a position where they are unable to gain their full qualification due to accessing this route. Has any consideration been made for this?
If the DfE acknowledges the need for a structured assessment process to maintain competency at Level 3, why not implement this now instead of introducing an intermediary, flawed EBR?
The Government must work with training providers and industry professionals to find sustainable solutions that uphold the professionalism and quality that children deserve.
