New early years training package out next month
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
By Catherine Gaunt The national occupational standards that underpin training in early years care and education across the UK are due to be agreed in November. The details were revealed by Lynette Lee, NDNA training and development manager, at the National Day Nurseries Association's Conference in London.
The details were revealed by Lynette Lee, NDNA training and development manager, at the National Day Nurseries Association's Conference in London.
All four home countries - England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales - will agree and approve the standards next month.
Ms Lee explained that the NDNA had been asked to review the occupational standards last year in the absence of a Sector Skills Council.
She said that following the consultation there would be 87 new standards to 'reflect the role of the workforce'.
The review had been influenced by 'an unprecedented phenomenal rate of change' in the sector marked by children's centres and extended schools, she said.
Ms Lee outlined the key changes to the national occupational standards, which she said had been 'desperately in need of being reviewed'.
These included removing the top age range of eight years because it was felt this created 'a false situation' and could be a barrier to training and flexibility. She pointed out that 'practitioners should have a basic understanding of what comes before and after' the age of the children they work with and said the age range now encompassed children aged from birth to 16.
Practitioners have to demonstrate competence with the children they work with and there will be an emphasis on the context or setting.
NVQs and SVQs will have mandatory and optional units. At level 2, there will be six mandatory units and one option; at level 3, five mandatory units and four options; and at level 4, four mandatory units and five options. Ms Lee said this underpinned the Government's work on developing 'a common core'.
At all levels mandatory units will include children's development; communication and relationships; health, safety and protection; and reflection on or support for practice.
Initial mapping to job roles is available, but Ms Lee said it would be the employers' responsibility to check candidates' experience and the options they would take.
Referring to a call during the consultation for the need for continuous professional development, she said many units were suitable for this.
A new assessment strategy has also been agreed for levels 2 and 3. This includes greater 'use of expert witnesses, professional discussion and external quality control through a sector-convened awarding body forum'.
