Why bother achieving EYP status?

Why bother achieving EYP status?

by: Helen (Telford) - 01-02-08 20:50

I was one of the first people in the country to achieve early years professional status. Originally I felt very proud, and began informing colleagues around me that this was the way forward, however, nearly a year on I have not benfited persoanlly at all!!

I work in the not-for-profit sector, running a nursery registered for 50 children. I am passionate about my job and love every aspect, but feel so disheartened that my pay does not reflect my level of skill, consequently I maybe forced to work in a different sector for financial benefits.

It must be noted though that it is not the sectors fault as there is no money to cover such a salary but the government must take action soon, because many valuable people like myself will be lost from childcare.. and wheres the inspiration for those that are embarking on a long educational route to achieve EYPS, why do foundation degree?

by: Maestro

The only reason i'm doing it is because the council are funding the whole course and I will have a BA degree in Childhood and Youth Studies. I think I might collect degrees as this will be my second, come in handy for something I suppose.

RE: RE: Why bother achieving EYP status? - 16-02-08 20:13

by: alm19

I am interested in reading these comments.  I came onto the site to see what the 'buzz' was about EYPS.  I am going through validation at the moment and have spent the last year completing my degree.  However over the last two weeks two separate people in well connected positions have suggested that EYPS is not worth having and that a PGCE would be a better route.  I hold on to the thought that this is not the case.  I was also informed that children's centres will have to employ a QTS and an EYPS.  Does anyone know if this is the case.  I was under the impression that EYPS was the equivalent of QTS in early years.  Would be interested in reading others thoughts on this

 

by: jade

i work in a children's centre and they are fully supporting me whilst i am on the short pathway. The eyps is equialvant to qts however at the moment does not have the same recognistion as that of qts. The centre have no intenstions of employing a qts but also will not change my title or pay to reflect my new status. it does make you wonder what is the point. at present i have only seen 1 local authority adversting for eyps and that was in london, not the midlands where i live. lets hope us eyps get the recognistion we deserve soon. 

by: Bobcat

I have just completed my validation, and at first I was full of optimism about it, however now I just think we will be cheap, highly qualified staff. I cant see any seperate positions becomming available for an EYP, and I cant see us being on an equivalent wage as that of a teacher, even though we will most likely have a more detailed knowledge of the under 3's.

Hopefully I will be wrong though!

by: joshuajones

You won't be I'm afraid, the PVI sector cannot afford to pay graduate salaries, nor will they be able to in the near future.

by: scarlett

I am a nursery owner / manager.

I am doing my foundation degree then Eyp.

I could not afford to pay a graduate so that is why I am having to do it.

by: Bobcat

It seems a really big waste of time. The governments idea was to attract graduates into childcare, they need to help out more with wages and funding for PVI sector otherwise it is pointless.

RE: RE: Why bother achieving EYP status? - 21-02-08 20:53

by: joshuajones

Not only is a waste of time it is a slap in the face for those of us that are experienced and knowledgeable.

I read on another forum, about a newly qualified EYPS who had just secured a post as a Pre School Supervisor because of her EYPS status, BUT she was on the forum asking for advice on how to run the room, how to plan, what activities to provide etc etc. Because she had NO experience with pre school children !!!!!! Can you honestly tell me that this person is better qualified to do her job that someone with many years experience of pre school children but not a graduate ? I think not !!!! The children will undoubtedly have a better learning experience from a knowledgeable, qualified, experienced Nursery Nurse than a newly qualified inexperienced EYPS, with no real working knowledge of pre school children to draw on.

But you are right Bobcat, until the Government assists the PVI sector with salaries, Graduates, nor, more importantly Nursery Nurses will ever achieve better salaries. Sad but true, and not likely to change.  

RE: RE: Why bother achieving EYP status? - 14-10-08 20:45

by: Beckylou

Im currently doing the full time route to gain EYPS, just done my Early Years degree and was led to believe that this qualification will enable me to help deliever an effective early years curricululm but im afraid some comments on here have put me off!! i think in a few years it will be more recognisable but i chose to do it now as the course fees were free and i think that as it becomes more recognised you bwill have to pay, hence why im doing it now, Any EYP'S who live in Dudley i would like to hear from you, xx

by: little miss

Hiya i have recently been to a meeting encouraging me to become a eyps but due to the fact that i only have NVQ 3's in childcare it will take me 3 years to complete a degree before i can progress onto the eyps status. i was very upset that there was another woman who had just complete a degree in textiles but has never worked with children or have any qualifications with children was accepted onto eyps course and could complete it in 3 months. how does this work???

RE: RE: Why bother achieving EYP status? - 22-11-08 07:32

by: Jewels

I feel you have been mis informed. Yes a person with an un related degree can apply to do EYP but will certainly NOT be able to do validation or short pathway. This person will have to complete a minimun of a year upto 18 months to complete EYP. The reason is so they can complete placements and work accross all age ranges. You will find this is the same length of time a person with an unrelated degree can become a teacher by doing a PGCE, a point which I feel is being ignored by people complaining about unrelated degrees! I work for a University where I have some responsibility for EYP courses so I know this is correct! Also routes/qualifications on entry are set by CWDC and are rigouous, therefore a person with a degree in textiles would noy be able to do validation route. Now to address other issues on his page...Yes at the moment an EYP with an unrelated degree and not much experience could be expected to lead practice, (the same as a teacher with an unrelated degree and PGCE), but there are moves afoot to make at lease two years experience part of the entry requirements. In my area there is a huge move to complete EYP, and the status is gaining momentum. For people who complain about pay, contact your Early Years team as there is money available for gradute developement/acheievemnt rewards. I can also add that I have just also qualified as an EYP!

 

 

 

 

by: SHEILA TURNBULL

The private sector can never afford to pay the salaries that will be expected unless the government help us. I have just seen a senior nursery nurse job advertised at £27000 in a childrens centre. I own the nursery and do not get that. I feel like just packing in and moving into CC or is that what gov want

by: Tink84

Little miss if the degree is in a none relevenant subject to childcare then she must do the full time pathway to gain s subject around early years

The PVI sector does need some much funded money from the Governement. However, as a graduate myself i am aware that PVI sector can recieve money from the transformation fund to help cover the costs of emplying a graduate. I know my settong recieves the grant for me as my friend works for the council who give it too them. I do not see a penny of this additional money and get the same wage as everyone else yet i am expected to do more

by: cheekymonkey

oshua jones in response to yourpost about the eyp preschool supervisor. assuming we are talking about the same person and forum i feel the need to put my comments across. after speaking with this person through the forum swapping ideas thoughs and her giving me advice while i gain my eyps i disagree that "children will undoubtedly have a better learning experience from a knowledgeable, qualified, experienced Nursery Nurse"

while this person admitted she had "Little" (not no) experience with preschool she is in fact highly experiencd with under 3s and has successfully run her own unit for a number of years. in order to be validated as an EYP you have to PROVE you have a number of different skills including decsion making, communication, leadership and the ability to intereact with children and different learning styles among other things. while she may not have experience wih preschool thses skills are undoubtedly transferable across all ages

 her manager recognised these skills and ofered the position, even after she suggested she needed more professional development they were willing to supoort and guide her through it. is it not a good thing she ws asking for help and support and further development???

 her initial fears were based on those around her, level 3s with old fashioned views and teachers with too formal views so she saught advice from peers to ensure what she thought was the right way.

i dont know what the inital post you are speaking of actually said but from what i know of this person she was initially unsure of how to plan for the children and what sort of routine they should have (not specific activities as you suggested or how to run a room) this only being becasue she is used to birth to three, in fact in a short space of time she has become extremely confident with the EYFS and has actually been the person in her setting ot devise new planning formats as well as updating policies inline with best practice.

 i am not saying an eyp will run a preschool better then a much more expericened level 3 but you should not assume from on epost that this person cannot do her job or uindeed that ALL EYPs are newly qualified. i agree that an EYP with no childcare experience at al would/could find it more difficult to run orwok in a nursery setting but dont taint all eyps with the same brush.

RE: RE: Why bother achieving EYP status? - 25-02-08 19:25

by: joshuajones

Is jumping to conclusions, and putting 2+2 together to make 5 part of the course ?

In the post I read the person stated they had NO experience with Pre School children, they had not worked iwth that age group of children before, and had only had a couple of placements in a nursery during her /his degree/EYPS.

I was not criticising the person who wrote this post, (which clearly is not the same as the one you refer to) I am/was criticising the structure of the EYPS and the stupidity of it all.

The qualities you refer to that you have to PROVE, have already been proven by qualified and experienced practitioners who already provide a good quality of education and care to the children in their care. Someone who is "learning the ropes" no matter how many degrees or qualifications they have cannot provide the same quality of education in the early stages of their working life. You learn through practical experience, trial and error, support from colleagues etc etc, and that is the same in whatever field of work you go into. You don't become chief exec of a company just because you have a degree, you learn and develop as you go !!!!!!

by: cheekymonkey

my mistake, the situation sounded very similar to the lady i had spoken to so i automatically assumed it was the same person.

by: Posh

I am currently finishing my foundation degree and hoped to go onto do the EYPS but have been told that i need to achieve my maths GCSE to be able to do so!! I am very passionate about childcare and just because i do not have a C grade at GCSE i will probably not be able to complete this course!!

It seems so unfair that i can't do this course just because of not being able to pass a course 9 years ago!!

RE: RE: Why bother achieving EYP status? - 03-12-08 17:05

by: Jules

I feel exactly the same! I am currently undertaking the foundation degree and have been told I will have to take GCSE English and Maths to go on to EYP status!  I have been a preschool manager for 8 years and have led the group through 3 good ofsted inspections.  Childcare is about vocation and dedication not pieces of paper!!!!!!!

by: cheekymonkey

you can take a maths equivalancy test to gain the gcse qualification you need to get onto the course

RE: RE: Why bother achieving EYP status? - 27-02-08 11:54

by: Posh

Do you know what sort of maths equivalent test? I have done something called test the city which is a level 2 and because this is just numeracy and not maths the uni won't accept it. The uni have siad that i could do a maths test at the uni but apparently it's really difficult!!

by: Rachel

I am currently completing my Early Childhood Studies degree- for my dissertation I have chosen to explore the implementation of the Early Years Professional Status! I was very interested in your responses to the question and am enquiring as to whether I would be able to reference comments made?

I feel that experience is a key element of an effective practitioner- however to improve the support given to children in their early years we should be ensuring that practitioners are qualified to the highest standards- we would be appalled to discover that children at primary scholl were being taught by unqualified workers? Maybe the Government need to explore the process of achieving the status for very experienced practitioners but who do not have the neccessary degree? Hopefully EYP's will be rewarded financially in the future- this could be a worthwhile investment for the early years workforce?

by: Annie

Very interested to read all your coments. Some years ago I was in the same situation - a three year social work course made me a highly qualified nursery officer in social services but I was paid no more than the other nursery nurses, who hadn't bothered to apply for secondment to the course. I later opened my own nursery and training centre and used the skills the course had enabled me to develop, in training young nursery nurses, understanding children's needs etc. The nursery was successful - I had my returns in ways - including financial later on. It is true that I was never able to pay myself as much as I would have earned working for the local authority but it was all worth it in the end. Training is always useful - learning more about your job makes you more proficient and that makes you more employable. As an employer I employed staff with degrees (I had two teachers on staff) as well as staff with no qualifications. I looked for someone with good practical skills, a kindly attitude and an ability to understand and translate theory to the nursery situation. Sometimes I turned away graduates in favour of a sensible, caring and pleasant applicant who I felt would do a better job! I was always willing to take a risk on an applicant who demonstrated a love of children and they mostly paid me back by becoming superb members of staff. However, I was  also always impressed by an applicant who had bothered to do extra training in order to develop her skills and knowledge. Good luck to you all.

by: scarlett

Did you know that you only need 40% to pass each essay on the foundation degree course.   Not a very high standard is it?

RE: RE: Why bother achieving EYP status? - 03-03-08 08:50

by: Posh

You'll find that on all degree courses 40% is the pass rate. But, it is up to the individual how hard they want to work and if they want to achieve higher than 40%.

by: Tink84

A degree is only the same too, 40% to passeach unit is all that is required

RE: RE: Why bother achieving EYP status? - 28-02-08 21:28

by: Tissue

 

But you need at least 70% to gain a first!

by: scarlett

The point I was making was that you dont need to have great organisational skills or knowledge to pass the f degree and I thought that was the whole point of getting people to do degrees, to get a better quality workforce.

I naturally try to achieve the best as I am a high achiever, but most of the people on my course are not.

RE: RE: Why bother achieving EYP status? - 06-03-08 14:34

by: Patch

I totally disagree that the foundation degree is easy. I've found it to be very hard work, and I have 4 A-Levels!

You may find other students disorganised, but when they are mature students like myself, it takes alot of organisation and discipline to juggle working hours, study and family/ home commitments, all at the same time.

Perhaps, the other students in your group are finding it more difficult as they have more demands on their time-not that they are academically lacking in some way! 

by: Rachel

But the marking of work for the foundation degree and then subsequently the full degree are obviously harder than a GCSE or even 'A' level so I do have to disagree with you.Surely someone with a degree is more highly qualified than someone with a NVQ 2???

RE: RE: Why bother achieving EYP status? - 03-03-08 18:45

by: scarlett

I would hope that was the case too,

Level 3 staff, none of mine have very good gcses or any A levels so have a very basic education anyway, then go onto do the foundation degree.   I was a bit despondant with my post but I do actually agree that experienced and competent level 3 staff who do the degree will hopefully gain some skills.  it is the level 3 staff who are perhaps incapable, but there again I am sure that they will not want to progress to do the FD.

I was irritated that yet again qualifications are dumbed down.

by: Rachel

I agree with you Scarlett, all the people who have put the hard work into achieving the extra qualifications need to be recognised for this- but yes the Government do need to address the problem of financial recognition too. I acknowledge that there are many very good experienced practitioners however there are also some who do not 'move with the times' and will not change their way of doing things because they have been doing it this way for years!! What is the point of all the research projects that are doene to improve the opportunities for children?

Rant finished!!

by: confused.com!

This is all very confusing!  I've worked with children birth to seven year for 6 years, then had a career break to have my own  children.  For the last couple of years I've been a Teaching Assistant but would love to get back into the 'nursery' field.  I've decided to do a full degree, off my own back, with a view to eventually opening my own nursery.  However, I'm stuck on knowing which degree to do (BA with honours in Early Childhood Studies or BA in Early Years).  I was then planning to get EYP status on top of that, but now I'm not so sure!!  Can anyone give me advice on which degree to do and whether gaining EYP status is really worth it?! Can I open my own nursery without it?

by: kaz

I'm just finishing the 4th out of 5 courses for my FD and I have to say that some bits have been easy and some bits have been very tough! The courses where I have to prove my knowledge of the FS and my work practice has been fairly easy - I assume because I know my stuff! Some of the other bits I have covered have been much tougher to get my head around and compile arguments for not to mention an exam I have next month! I left school with no qualifications (mother did a runner and left dad with 3 children under 5 and me when I was about to start GCE's) so have I have now done NVQ2, 3 and now FD as well as every course I can get onto with my local training provider in my mature years.

I own and run a busy sessional preschool which is open for 9 sessions a week, have a husband and two children and study and I am on crap wages just like everyone else. WHY DO WILL I DO THE EYPS? because I will not pay some undergraduate to come in and do my job in 2015 when all settings need an EYPS! I love working in early yeas, I live my job and I love training so it's a natural progression. All I need now is a rich toy boy to complete my life!

by: my only friend is the wind

Have any of you accessed the "transformation fund" to increase EYPS salaries?????

You should now have access to the "graduate Leader fund" to put toward salaries for EYPS as well. 

RE: RE: Why bother achieving EYP status? - 16-10-08 17:01

by: joshuajones

The graduate leader fund is paid to employers not employees, and in our area there is NO stipulation that the 4.5K has to go to salaries, it can be spent on anything.

Unscrupulous employers will keep it to themselves.

Also for those employers who do pass the extra money on, what happens in 2011 when the funding runs out and no one yet knows what will take its place. How will they make up the extra money, do you really think that EYP's will accept a huge pay cut ?

by: my only friend is the wind

Joshuajones:

in my area the Graduate Leader fund is 5000 pa not 4500.  My paperwork specifically requires 50% to go to the employee.  to not stipulate this and still call it a Graduate Leader fund is a contradiction in terms.  Have you seen your LA's contract of agreement?  I am passing on 100% (minus NI) to my EYPS Leader ( on top of a Room Supervisors salary)otherwise I won't get anyone worth tuppence.  If I am doing this then so will many others.  As for 2011, well, if every Nursery owner worried about what would happen in the next 2 or 3 years they would have jacked it in a long time ago.  Most LA's will tell you that a new scheme will appear by 2011, I have enough to worry about now with out fretting over what hasn't happened yet.  There is also 3000 available for students on the short pathway in may area (on top of the 5000) and in my area the University pays 1000 toward timeout for each student, which must be evidenced as going to the student.  Many Nursery owners are not unscrupulous, although doubtless some are. However, I am certain that most are crap at claiming funding which is available as the information is so hard to find. My La has never offered me anything without me first contacting them.

by: my only friend is the wind

Just to make sure  we are on the same page, thought I'd better add that my EYPS Leader is recruited in house with 2 years experience with me and 2 elsewhere.  I wouldn't dream of employing a candidate with an irrelevant degree who has completed the long pathway, an Early Years Degree with the short pathway and no experience is worth little more to me either,  Nursery assistant rates is all we would pay them. (not wishing to offend anyone but that is the reality of it). No amount of Gov funding will change this.

RE: RE: Why bother achieving EYP status? - 17-10-08 11:13

by: joshuajones

MOFITW

No  we only get 4.5K for our graduates with an additional 1.5K per annum once they achiever EYPS staus, I am certain that there is no stipulation as to where the money is spent, except that it cannot be used for capital expenditure or administration purposes, such as QAS. I had a very lengthy converstaion with the people responsible for administering the fund about this.

 

by: Millie

This is the reason I am stopping at BA Hons! - By the time I have undertaken this, I feel that my qualifications are complete, yes I will continue to ensure my professional development with regards training is undertaken, but that will be with regards to legislation, Safeguarding children etc., etc.,

For me EYPS is lovely if you can do and achieve it, but I feel the children and my setting will benefit from my already learnt skills.  My family have taken an absolute rocking over the last 10 years in relation to my study and my achievements in order to give other children in my care the best learning and childhood experience I could achieve for them.  I can do no more.

I have trawled the websites, newspapers, magazines the last few years, watching for adverts for EYPS status - non existant so that now I can give back to my own family what I thought I could achieve for them - a better salary, a better life without a worn out mum! - No such luck.  I am not usually a negative person, but sadly I am now thinking about another career after all these years.  I am not saying I will be a great loss to the business, but feel I can battle no longer with Managers and staff who are still in the dark ages about having to educate children, rather than children learning through play.  I have felt allienated from colleagues due to enthusiasm for the business and for the best interests for the children in my care.  The parents are also a battle but thats another story.

EYPS they can keep until salaries are bought into line, then perhaps I may consider it.

by: grafter

EYPS  !!! I did this to further myself carry the setting forward,but, on reflection I agree maybe PGCE would have been a better route.  Teachers get better pay, loads of holidays and helpers coming out of their ears and finish at three.  I am the manager of a setting and work long hours, 51 weeks of year, find it hard to get good staff and lucky to get annual leave!!!  God I love moaning!!!!

by: Gem

I have a degree in ECS, and completed my EYPS validation route, I have a job in a private nursery school. I worked within the company before and during my full time egree, if I did not work within the company before going to uni I doubt I would have got the job after uni.

The majority of girls I graduated have either gone to do PGCE (because they are over qualified for and lacking in experience for Early years) or they are working in completely other areas (i.e. banks and IKEA!!!) 

When I was at uni we were told that EY settings were crying out for graduates to lead the new foundation stage. For so many of my friends that really has nt been the case. With this said how are people doing the long path for EYPS supposed to find work?