What a con! EYPS, full time pathway

What a con! EYPS, full time pathway

by: spud - 25-06-08 16:27

To say that any Graduate can undertake the EYPS course and be sucsessful is absolutly not correct, 18 weeks placement is not enough time to achieve the 39 stadards, because the oppertunity to actualy acheive them is quite remote for someone who is to quote my tutor a "guest" in the setting. Previous experience of working in the industry is essential to counter negative attitudes to any attempt to have any effect on any of the aspects of practice

by: Tink84

I totally agree. Even with experience it is difficult. Our uni give us a project to carry out too but settings are reluctant to let visitors make serious changes so yes it is a con

by: redsky

It's a complete short-cut for people, to get EYPS through the Open Uni you only have to do two Level 1 modules, and work in 2 different settings during the year, and then all of a sudden you've got EYPS? You don't have to have any previous experience and your degree doesn't even have to be relevant, it can be in anything, i.e. engineering etc. As a senior nursery nurse, it offends me that just because someone has a degree, they think they only need a year to learn how to look after children. I see that a degree is needed, but I think it should be relevant to the post - I am working hard to do my BA Early Years so I can then do my validation EYPS and it annoys me someone else can do it in a year without any previous experience. You're not allowed to do a primary PCGE unless you have a relevant degree, it should be the same rules.

RE: RE: What a con! EYPS, full time pathway - 03-07-08 20:23

by: timmylums

hi redsky  can you expand on the information you provide about the OU offering a short cut to EYPs only I have searched website and can't find any info about this. I would like to pursue this easy route before I stress any further over the route I am alreay on with NWEYTG. 

RE: RE: What a con! EYPS, full time pathway - 04-07-08 19:58

by: Kat

What you've said is not entirely true about the primary PGCE. You don't have to have a relevent degee you just have to show that it is relevent. I have a BA in Cultural Studies & Sociology and was accepted. Those who do the EYPS full training are there to learn from those who are in practice. It's a way to build on experience, yes they may not have all the years hands on experience but they do have a lot of knowledge and skills needed in order to expand the current early years workforce.

by: timmylums

Hi redsky just read your posting you say about the Ou being a short cut to EYPS surely they still have to do same assessment process as everyone else? I don't think it would be just a case of two modules and two placements and then you get your status as this would be too easy.  As for the moans and groans from others, in some ways I can sympathize, I am into my final part of the F/T pathway and yes it can be very difficult to be a volunteer in a placement and fulfil all the requirements of the course but a large part of this depends on the setting. I did 6 months in one setting and was given loads of things to do, working within all different areas but when it came time to show I could lead practice it was obvious that this was not going to happen. I do have a BA in early years and a certain amount of experience both in early years and school settings. I approached another setting and explained that I was at the stage were I had proved that I can care for and play with children but now I needed to show my capabilities as a leader. The manager was very welcoming and supportive and has basically given me a free hand to change and adapt whatever I feel needs it so I am now more confident in meeting my standards.  So my advice is if in doubt about your setting CHANGE before its too late. Be positive in telling your manager that you are not being critical of their practice but you need to demonstrate your leadership skills and your ability to make decisions and reflect on them.  Good luck to anyone on the EYPs course and stick with it even it does seem to be disheartening at times it will be worth it in the end.               

by: Maestro

I very much doubt it will be worth it in the end! The the standard of candidates going through its no better than a level 3 qualifications on offer, everyone is probably already aware of my stance on the NVQ3 so I won't repeat myself.

The OU is a bit of a joke but if you already have a degree you can use the points already gained to achieve the EYPS, the same applies for the PGCE as well. Teaching prefers a relevant degree but it's not important if you are the right candidate for the job. The same looks as if it applies to the EYPS. What gets me the most is the entry requirements; they are pretty musch non-existant!

The government are doing a fine job of ruining the childcare industry, and are making it particularly hard for the private sector. We are all sitting on a time bomb and eventually it will become survival of the fittest.

RE: RE: What a con! EYPS, full time pathway - 30-06-08 08:53

by: Tunja

Whilst I agree that it may not be worth it in the end, as in my area leaders of the EYFS are expected to be QTS, making a mockery of EYPS and although I have written to Gordon Brown, Ed Balls, MS Hughes & Sheila Scales no one will answer me, I have to take issue with your comments on quality.

Do you personally know each and every person who has achieved EYPS?

And if not how do you know their standard? You are providing a typical stereotypical view. What happened to equal ops.

I have an NVQ3 I achieved that in 1998, since then I have added an ADCE and a BA Hons first class in education, early childhood. This was followed with EYPS. And before you shout I have over 16 years childcare and education experience. There is no way I would have achieved EYPS standard with only my NVQ!

by: Maestro

No I do not know everyone going through the EYPS but they do not set high enough standards to filter out the good practitioners from the not so good ones. Whilst there are the good practitioners achieving level 3 qualifications there are plenty or absolute idiots also achieving a level 3 qualification.

The same is currently happening with the EYPS, yes there are fantastic people achieving the EYPS but whilst they allow the idiots through it stands for nothing! It will only ever be as good as the weakest link and there are too many at present.

by: timmylums

Hi maestro sorry to ask but have you already done your EYPs as if so I would like to know how you think that idiots can get through. I am finding it very intense and I have been told that the assessment is the same for everyone regardless of were you do the course but I will certainly be looking at the OU as a provider of easier routes. I cannot understand why some people are up in arms about the government wanting to increase the standard of the childcare workforce, afterall if these qualifications are so easy to acheive then there will be no worries. I have been in some settings that I wouldn't trust to care and educate my child. I am fully in favour of a higher qualified workforce as this will create a higher standard of practice.  The only thing that I can see creating a cause for complaint is that once everybody has higher standards then higher wages should be available and this is were the problems begin.  I feel that the reason for gaining a better understanding and greater knowledge of our role is for the benefit of the children we care for and yes I agree that some people do not appear to be working at a level 3 standard but I am sure that gaining EYPS will never be an option for these people.              

by: Jennifer Colloby

I am interested to read comments about the FTP and most particularly those that discuss the perceived training offered by the Open University.  The Open University, in Partnership with the National Day Nurseries Association offers 3 Pathways for achieving EYP status one of which is the Full Time Pathway. In common with all other Providers listed by CWDC, the OU recruits only those Candidates who meet the entry requirements for the FTP. CWDC devised the FTP to attract graduates from other disciplines to a new role working in the Early Years sector; hence why some EYPs who followed the FTP will have degrees in subjects other than EY or Childhood.  Graduates accepted onto the OU FTP are required to study for the Certificate in Early Years Practice.  This is an undergraduate level 1 course (60pts) and may be known to all of you as it is listed on the NQF. In addition FTP candidates study for a diploma in Management which is offered by one of our Partners in the EYP programmme.  Candidates must indeed undertake 2 placement settings and OU FTP candidates are required to be on placement for the majority of the 12 months pathway.   The OU is the national provider for training to achieve EYP status.  We offer a flexible and supportive training package on all our pathways.  Most recently, the OU was involved in setting up the first professional association for EYPs lobbying for improved status.  The OU is committed to offering the best possible support and training programmes to all Candidates aspiring to achive EYP status.