Employers win battle for Level 2 children’s qualification

A new qualification to enter the children’s workforce is under development, after concerns from childcare employers that standards had been set too high.

The Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) has confirmed it is developing a Level 2 certificate for early years, social care and learning development support services.

An A-level-equivalent qualification for these sectors is already being prepared, under the title of the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce. It is intended to replace all existing Level 3 qualifications to become the only one valid for those entering the workforce from next September.

But concerns had been raised in the early years sector that a Level 2 qualification is needed as a stepping stone for inexperienced employees.

Michael Freeston, director of quality improvement for the Pre-school Learning Alliance, said: “CWDC received strong views from the childcare sector and we are pleased it has listened.” He added that there must be a work-based assessment in the qualification to ensure students can apply skills to their chosen sector.

A CWDC spokeswoman said: “Employers have said they need practitioners who are committed to continuing to improve their practice and who will aim to progress to Level 3. Therefore, CWDC supports the development of a Level 2 certificate for delivery in England.”