EYP Update: EYP Pilot Programmes - New routes to the status
The Children's Workforce Development Council is currently piloting two new pathways to becoming an Early Years Professional.
The pilots will make EYPS even more accessible
The first is a three-year, work-based route aimed at people who would usually undertake a foundation degree. Currently candidates take two years to complete the foundation degree and then do the Long EPD Pathway, which lasts for 15 months. The new pathway aims to provide a more integrated route, where students can top up to a full degree while studying for EYPS.
CWDC is using six training providers - Anglia Ruskin University, Best Practice Network, Edge Hill University, University of Northampton, University of Reading and Sheffield Hallam University - to trial elements of the programme. A total of 67 individuals are involved and the pilots are operating in a variety of ways to test approaches to achieving both the foundation degree and EYPS.
The second pilot focuses on achieving EYPS combined with the Early Childhood Studies degree. Graduates with the degree currently embark on the full training Pathway, which lasts for 12 months. Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Northampton, Sheffield Hallam University and University of Worcester are trialling an integrated approach where reflective learning and work placements are built into the course.
Thom Crabbe, CWDC national development manager for early years, says, 'We hope the learning from the pilots will help us to make EYPS more accessible.'
We want to make achieving EYPS a clear and natural progression for those studying for foundation degrees and Early Childhood Studies degrees.'
'The pilots are being tracked closely and we hope they will influence future developments in the programme.'
