From September 2008 it will be compulsory for registered early years settings and home-based child carers to implement the Early Years Foundation Stage.

The Early Years Foundation Stage framework provides a coherent set of standards in children’s care and education.  It builds on the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage (2000), the Birth to Three Matters framework (2002) and elements of the National Standards for Under 8’s Daycare and Childminding (2003). It covers child development, care and learning needs for children from birth to the end of the academic year in which a child has their fifth birthday.

The CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Early Years Foundation Stage Practice (CEYFSP) has been designed for those practitioners who work directly with children from birth to five years, in regulated settings in England and provides a recognised way of evidencing training in the new Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

STRUCTURE

The CEYFSP is split into three mandatory Units:

Unit 1: Context and principles for early years provision

Unit 2: Promoting learning and development in the early years

Unit 3: Promoting children's welfare in the early years

Each unit comprises of 40 teaching hours and carries six credit values per unit.

CREDITS

The CEYFSP is one of the first qualifications on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).  This is a new way of recognising skills and qualifications.

On this framework credit values are assigned to each unit.  This enables learners to receive credits for each unit they successfully complete, allowing them to build towards a full qualification.  This framework appeals to a wide range of learners as it allows flexibility and gives learners the opportunity to study at their own pace.

ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING

Completion of all the assessments for Units 1, 2 and 3, at a pass grade, must be achieved to gain the Certificate. The assessments methods for the CEYFSP are:

          - Walk and Talk

          - Assessor Observation

          - Reflective Tasks

Although this is not a full Level 3 qualification it both builds upon and updates existing knowledge and experience held by practitioners who already have a Level 3 qualification.  It consolidates existing good practice and helps practitioners to reflect on areas for improvement.   It may also be a valuable route of professional development for practitioners at different levels.  For example, practitioners with a Level 2 qualification who may wish to enhance their practice before moving on to a full Level 3 qualification.