As the course draws to a close, I have had the busiest month so far. Not only were there seven pieces of work to be submitted to the provider, but the five-hour setting visit has also taken place. While this was enjoyable in the sense that it gave me a good opportunity to show just what I had achieved within the setting, it was very tiring. Like most interviews, it was only when it had finished that I started to remember things that I didn't tell the assessor, or examples that may have better illustrated her questions - but I guess that is the way these things go.
The results will be out in February, which seems a long way off, but with Christmas in between I doubt that it will.
With expectations for achieving EYP status now getting closer, my thoughts and those of my colleagues are turning to our employment prospects and whether or not we are going to face any hostility in the early years market. I know some nursery managers are not happy that people from outside the industry are being trained up to receive this qualification, but I would ask those who feel this way to try to recognise and respect the fact that most people training for the EYPS are in at least their late thirties and can provide an influential and enduring contribution to children's development and well-being. By sustaining a culture of collaborative and co-operative working among us all, we can improve the outcomes for children, which is surely the goal that we all have at heart.
With regards to my own future, one of my colleagues on the course and I propose to start our own little business, taking thematic drama and art-based workshops to children's centres. The Early Years Foundation Stage notes the importance of outside artists coming into settings and working with the young. As we both have a creative background, coupled with the new early years experiences, we feel that we are in a good position to offer these sessions providing children with what they need in relation to their education and care.
Becoming an EYP
There are four training pathways to becoming an EYP:
- (Short) Extended professional development pathway (three months part time)
- (Long) Extended professional development pathway (15 months part time)
- Full training pathway (12 months full time, inc validation)
- Validation (assessment-only, three months part time)
Further information see www.cwdcouncil.org.
