Education and training remain a challenge across early years, and supporting childcare workers to upskill has long been a key aim. Conversations about qualifications often focus on Level 3 and above, but Level 2 is both an important stepping stone to Level 3 and a key qualification in its own right.
Level 2 allows working with children under supervision. At least one member of staff must hold a relevant Level 3 childcare qualification and at least half of all other staff working with children must hold a ‘full and relevant’ qualification at Level 2 or above.
Since 2019, new Level 2 qualifications have been labelled ‘early years practitioner’ to show they are based on criteria setting out the minimum knowledge, understanding and skills. ‘Employers appreciate the clarity of knowing exactly what the student has undertaken, and that should contribute towards a more standardised workforce,’ says CACHE director of external and regulatory affairs, Julie Hyde.
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