Training and qualifications
It is vital that all practitioners working in the early years sector attain recognised qualifications and certified courses when working with children. This is to make sure that all children are provided with high level of care and education which meets Ofsted requirements. To work as a qualified member of staff, you will need to hold an approved qualification that is recognised by Department of Education.
If you are just starting your childcare career journey you may wish to undertake the NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in An Introduction to Early Years Settings | NCFE. This qualification develops a basic knowledge of childcare in early years settings. It covers working with children up to the age of 5 years old. The units include subjects such as the value of play, roles and responsibilities of carers and volunteers and the importance of developing links in the local community.
Coventry Adult Education Service
Coventry Adult Education is an integral part of Coventry City Council. They offer a range of training courses including Working as an Early Years Practitioner in locations across the city. Courses are taught by friendly and qualified tutors. Please visit the Adult Education Service to find more information on the courses they offer.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships combine real work with training and study for a specific role. You will learn new skills, gain experience, and earn a salary too. There are two entry-level early years apprenticeships:
- level 2 early years practitioner (equivalent to GCSEs)
- level 3 early years educator (equivalent to A Levels)
Find out more about Apprenticeships. Both level 2 and 3 apprenticeships are suitable for those with no previous experience.
Level 2 may be more suitable for those leaving school at 16, It allows you to work in an early years setting under supervision. It is an excellent entry point into the sector.
Level 3 may be more suitable for those who want to plan, organise and lead learning activities and supervise others.
Did you know Coventry City Council offer apprenticeships in Early Years? “One Coventry” is the council’s approach to building a Coventry that works for all, and apprenticeships are a key part of the councils plans to train the workforce of the future. As an apprentice at Coventry City Council, you will be able to reach your potential in a supportive and structured environment. You can check the eligibility criteria and find out how to apply directly for an apprenticeship with Coventry City Council here. 95% of Council apprentices who finished in 2024 went into employment.
Skills Bootcamps
If you are over 19 years of age and meet the eligibility criteria, skills bootcamps have been developed in a wide range of sectors to provide the opportunity to train in a new industry or progress your career. They help you develop the skills that employers are looking for. They are flexible so you can organise your learning and studies around your other commitments.
The 6 –12 week course may include face-to-face or online teaching around the following subjects:
- An introduction into what it is like to work in the childcare sector
- Knowledge of Child Development and the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum
- How to observe and plan activities for children
- Health and Safety requirements including basic First Aid
- How to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- An understanding of how best to safeguard children
- Support with obtaining a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- Provide an opportunity to upskill in English and Maths qualifications (if required)
At the end of the course, you will have a guaranteed interview with an Early Years provider.
On successful completion of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Gain employment
- Progress to a Level 3 apprenticeship
- Progress in your current job
- Find a new business opportunity of you are self employed
Skills bootcamps for new careers in early years - Realise
Coventry College
Coventry College offers a range of childcare and early years training courses. T-Levels are one option after you have completed your GSCE’s. Entry requirements for each course are set out by the college. Check with Coventry College to find out their entry requirements for the Education and Childcare T Level. Further information on T Levels and what you will need before you start is available online at Education and Early Years | T Levels. The programmes will give you the opportunity to advance your practical skills in a range of educational settings and scenarios. You will also develop your theoretical and industry knowledge. Contact them on 024 7693 2932 for visit their web site for further information.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce (CWT)
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training is a leading provider of training and development opportunities, including apprenticeships and higher education courses across Coventry and Warwickshire. Telephone 024 7623 1122 or visit their web site for further information.
Online Training
If you are thinking of working with small children or if you already working with them, there are courses available to help you get one step ahead or brush up on your skills. There is a free online course available in Child Development and to access this course, no prior experience is required early years child development course. If you are already working in early years this training course will build and strengthen your existing knowledge of child development. If you are just starting out, then it will give you invaluable new insight in child development You can choose to do this online course whenever suits you and you will achieve a certificate for each module you complete.
Professional Qualifications
It is vital that the early years workforce is well-qualified with the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience to deliver high quality early education. Whichever route you choose it is important that the qualification you will hold on completion of your training is full and relevant and will count in the “qualified Staff:Child” ratio when delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
The minimum standards in relation to the ratio of qualification requirements for the early years workforce can be found in the Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework - GOV.UK.
The Department for Education Early Years Qualification List stipulates exactly which current, new and old qualifications are full and relevant. It also includes information on equivalent overseas qualifications. Qualifications can be checked by visiting Early years qualifications achieved in the United Kingdom - GOV.UK
Unfortunately, there are some training providers who claim to offer qualifications that do not meet the Department for Education’s (DfE) “full and relevant” criteria. This means that they cannot be counted towards the staff-to-child ratios in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).