Date: 01.06.06

PAT/PANN (Voice)’s Official Response to Children’s Workforce Development Council’s consultation

Source: pat.org.uk

PAT/PANN Official Response 896 to

Children’s Workforce Development Council’s consultation on Early Years Professional Status Standards

The Consultation: www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/projects/eypsconsultation.htm

Draft EYP Standards document (pdf)

 

PAT/PANN Official Response 896  

 

Part 1 - Requirements of an Early Years Professional 

 

R1.     Before being awarded Early Years Professional Status candidates must have achieved a standard equivalent to grade C in the GCSE examination in English and mathematics: 

Ans:    Agree 

 

R2.     Before being awarded Early Years Professional Status candidates must have passed relevant skills tests in numeracy, literacy and ICT: 

Ans:    Agree

          We accept ICT skills would be desirable but not convinced this should be an expectation. 

 

R3.     Before being awarded Early Years Professional Status candidates must demonstrate that they can read effectively and are able to communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written Standard English. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

R4.     Before being awarded Early Years Professional Status candidates must be physically and mentally fit to work as an Early Years Professional. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

R5.     Before being awarded Early Years Professional Status candidates must show that they do not have a criminal background that might prevent them working with children or as an Early Years Professional and have not previously been excluded from working with children. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

R6.     Before being awarded Early Years Professional Status candidates must hold a degree in early Childhood Studies; or equivalent qualification(s) that provides a relevant and appropriate underpinning knowledge for the role; or can demonstrate that, by other means, they have the knowledge, skills and understanding equivalent to such a qualification.  Applicants with a foundation degree will need to supplement this qualification with at least 60 credits at HE level 3. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

R7.     Before being awarded Early Years Professional Status candidates must have a minimum of two years relevant experience, one of which must be in a setting covering the age from birth to the end of the foundation stage. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

Part 2 - Standards for Early Years Professionals 

 

S1 (Professional Responsibilities) 

 

2.1.a)  Read Standards S1.1 to S1.3:  These Standards are appropriate.

Ans:    Agree 

 

2.1.b)  Read Standards S1.4 to S1.7:  These Standards are appropriate. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

2.1.c)  Read Standards S1.8 to S1.10:  These Standards are appropriate. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

2.1.d)  Read Standards S1.11 to S1.12.  These Standards are appropriate. 

Ans:          Evaluation and monitoring of provision and practice is essential. 

 

2.1.e)  Read Standards S1.13 to S1.17.  These Standards are appropriate. 

Ans: 

 

2.1.f)  Read Standards S1.18.  These standards are appropriate. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

2.1.g)  Further guidance for Standards Section 1 

Ans: 

 

Part 2 - Standards for Early Years Professionals 

 

S2 (Professional Knowledge and Understanding) 

 

2.2.a)  Read Standards S2.1 to S2.4.  These Standards are appropriate. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

2.2.b)  Read Standards S2.5 to S2.7.  These Standards are appropriate. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

2.2.c)  Read Standards S2.8 to S2.13.  These Standards are appropriate. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

2.2.d)  Read Standards S2.14 to S2.15.  These Standards are appropriate. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

2.2.e)  Read Standard S2.16.  This Standard is appropriate. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

2.2.f)  Further guidance for Standards Section 2.

Ans: 

 

Part 2 - Standards for Early Years Professionals 

 

S3 (Leading practice in the Early Years Foundation Stage) 

 

2.3.a)  Read Standards S3.1 to S3.4.  These Standards are appropriate. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

2.3.b)  Read Standards S3.5 to S3.7.  These Standards are appropriate.

Ans:    Agree 

 

2.3.c)  Read Standards S3.8 to S3.13.  These Standards are appropriate. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

2.3.d)  Read Standards S3.14 to S3.16.  These Standards are appropriate. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

2.3.e)  Read Standards S3.17.  This Standard is appropriate. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

2.3.f)  Further guidance for Standards Section 3.

Ans:     

 

Part 3 - Other Questions 

 

O1.     Do you agree with the overall approach to developing Early Years Professionals? 

Ans:    Agree 

 

O2.     Some candidates may be close to meeting these Standards and, in consequence, may need less training than others.  Do you agree that prior achievement and qualifications should be considered in the training and assessment group. 

Ans:    Agree 

 

O3.     We expect all candidates to complete relevant practice-based training and to be assessed through this practice.  Do you agree that practice-based training and assessment should be an essential part of the EYP programme? 

Ans:    Agree 

 

O4.     We expect all those who demonstrate the EYP standards to be competent users of ICT.  Do you agree? 

Ans:          Disagree

          We accept ICT competence would be desirable but are not convinced this should be an expectation. 

 

O5.     We anticipate that a range of providers including Higher Education Institutions, private and voluntary organisations, local authorities etc. may offer training.  Do you agree that it is important for there to be a range of training providers? 

Ans:    Agree

          Most important that training is appropriate to the tasks required and providers must be required to deliver the same, high quality training. 

 

O6.     Do you agree with the title "Early years Professional"?

Ans:    Agree 

 

O7.     Do you agree that over time only those with EYPS should lead delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage? 

Ans:    This would be dependent on the accessibility of the EYPS training.  It is more important that the best people are appointed from whatever source. 

 

O8.     What should be the relationship between Qualified Teacher Status and Early Years Professional Status?

Ans:    They should be considered of equal status, complimenting each other but recognising their differing skills, knowledge and expertise.  Nursery Nurses and other childcare professionals are trained and are experienced in child development whilst teacher?s expertise is in curriculum delivery. 

 

O9.     If you think any Standards should be deleted, please indicate which in the space provided. 

Ans:     

 

O10.   If you wish to suggest the addition of any Standard(s), please enter your suggestion(s) in the space provided.

Ans: 

 

Contact: Senior Professional Officer (Voice) Tricia Pritchard (pann@pat.org.uk)