Early Years Teaching Qualification

[Guest]

I have a PGCE Lower Primary (5-8yrs specialist). I have been teaching reception and completed several NQT courses focusing on the foundation stage, observed FS teachers, attended conferences etc...

 

I work within a private nursery setting and recently have been advised by my boss that to be 'qualified' for the nursery age range I do not have an early years qualification therefore will need to do another course. The course suggested in a modular Early Years course for teachers to lead towards a Masters. The other route I have thought of is an NVQ3 but my boss things this would be a step backwards (?) in terms of my having completed teacher training.

 

I would have thought my PGCE was adequate as it was suitable for teaching reception which is in the foundation stage, however I think my boss has had advice from the council EYCDP that all nursery staff should have "an early years teaching qualification"

 

Does anyone know the view of OFSTED on this or have further advice.

 

Thank you

[Guest]

Hi Mharhi

I have today received a document from Playgroup Network which is entitled "Qualifiactions in Early Years Care, Education and Playwork: Acceptability for Group Day Care Settings.

This lists all the qualifications, which do not appear within the National Qualifications Framework, that are acceptable to work with early years. It is a 38 page document. It states that a BED/PGCE with Early Years Specialism is acceptable. But it also states that "Because there have been so many qualifications, it is always possible that individuals will come forward with one which is not listed. Similarly, OFSTED inspectors may find qualifications not listed as they carry out their inspections." "It is recognised that many people employed in the sector hold qualifications not on the NQF. Where this is the case, OFSTED inspectors will make a judgement about the relevance of the qualification for the nature and level of the post held."

Have you done any other courses recently with regards to early years such as foundation stage and early learning goals? What about considering an APEL scheme? This enables workers to claim credit for experiential learning gained in the workplace as equivalent to part or all of a qualification. It seems pontless in taking an NVQ 3 when you already have a good qualification but need to update to an early years specialism.

Hope this is of some help to you. If you need any more info just let me know and I will see what I can find out for you.

Linda

[bubblejack]

I started doing the APEL in December have nearly finished it.Have just read that it needs to be updated every 3 years. Our local college is doing the level 4 so I shall do that.

[Guest]

Thanks for your replies. What is the APEL course and would it be my teacher training college or local college that would do it?

[Guest]

Hi Mharhi

APEL is Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning. In other words they look at what experience you have and base your training on that. I would have thought it would be your local college who would have information if they do it. The NVQ4 is a good route as this also involves management skills and would be much more appropriate for you, I would have thought, than a level 3.

Linda

[bubblejack]

The EYDCP arranged to have the APEL at the local college. All the assignments are done at home but I can either phone the tutor or arrange to see her at a time convenient to both of us. There are 10 sections and an essay has to written about them e.g certain policies,dealing with parents,planning,room enviroment and values and principals. You just have to review and reflect on what you do each week. I have to get 2 testimonials from professionals that regularly visit my practise to verify all evidence. All current and recent training is taken into account. It is quick and easy to do if you don't mind working by yourself. Another supervisor in my area that I know very well enrolled with me but because we run our settings very differently we are no help to each other. I haven't learnt anything new in doing this but it has made me realise how much I have learnt in the 25 years I have been running my group. It will satisfy Ofsted who have queried my old level 3 but never actually condemned. I will go on to do a level 4 when I am ready, for my own enjoyment, and hopefully for the benefit of the group.

[Helen]

Hi Mharhi,

I went through this when I opened my own nursery. I had already done a primary PGCE and had taught for seven years; I was told I could run a nursery school, but not a pre-school or nursery! I had to do an NVQ3 during the first year we opened. I employed an NNEB to effectively be my boss for the first year. (She's still with me)

One thing you might consider is whether the Masters might give you opportunity to earn more in a school environment, (eg in senior management) and also whether it might give you more satisfaction....Masters courses often involve some research and therefore the opportunity to increase your knowledge and skills. It seems to me that doing an NVQ3 would not increase your knowledge, take up lots of time, and all this just so the EYDCP are happy you have an early years qualification!

[Guest]

Hmm, lots to think about. Yes probably the Masters course would give me more to think about. I just find it a bit daunting though- it is a course teachers going for the Threshold do, and I am only newly qualified (2001) I think it looks very relevent though- the main assignment is all about how you have changed your practice in a certain area- you might focus on an area in the setting you have developed eg. the outdoors, relate to theory..

There is also a portfolio of directed tasks to do, one each week related to observations etc, pretty hands on.

[Verona]

Does anyone know if there is a web site for APEL. I have contacted the EY training and quality administrators and they are not funding it here. The person I spoke to knew about it but didn't have any info for me. They suggested I look on the internet and find out where courses are run.

 

Sue