Nursery World - All early years staff 'could need level 3', says White Paper

All early years and childcare staff could be required to hold at least a level 3 qualification, in measures proposed by the Government to boost social mobility.

The New Opportunities white paper unveiled by the Government last week says the quality of provision is 'critical' and raising the skills of the workforce is key to improving quality.

'We want every person involved in providing childcare and early learning provision to young children to have a good minimum qualification,' says the paper. 'We will therefore consider making it a requirement that all practitioners have a full and relevant qualification of at least level 3 (equivalent to A levels) by 2015.'

Currently, every senior manager working in daycare, sessional care or out-of-school clubs should hold at least a level 3 qualification, and all supervisors in full daycare should have a minimum of level 3 or be working towards it. Half of other staff must have level 2.

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