Early years workforce strategy: early years training website launches

EYupskill, has been developed as part of the Government’s Early Years Workforce Strategy by the Pre-School Learning Alliance with funding from the Department for Education’s (DfE) Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) grant round for 2017-18.

The purpose of EYupskill is to provide practitioners with impartial support and information about early years training providers and professional development pathways.

Practitioners can use the online portal to search for training by location, subject and level. EYupskill also provides examples of how learners can develop and progress their career.

Featured training providers within the directory include National Day Nurseries Association, PACEY, Smartpractice Childcare Consultants, Safetyfirst Training and Early Years Hub.

To be included on the directory, training providers can upload their contact information and logo for free.

The DfE has funded the development and maintenance of EYupskill until March 2018 when it is expected that the online directory will become self-sustaining through paid for ‘hot spots’ and advertorials. Inclusion within the directory will remain free.

Sarah Geekie, a spokesperson for EYupskill, said, ‘EYupskill links training providers and potential learners in a unique and accessible way. It will become the go to site for all aspects of early years workforce development and training. EYupskill enables practitioners to locate training opportunities at the touch of a button and provides up to date, impartial advice on workforce development policies and requirements.

‘For training providers, whether they are a sole trader operating in a single area or a national provider, EYupskill provides free access to the 500,000 practitioners working in the sector.

‘The more training providers who register their details, the more useful the site becomes to practitioners which, in turn, means more traffic to registered training providers’ websites. As such we encourage all training organisations to sign up to EYupskill as soon as possible.'

Children and families minister Robert Goodwill said, ‘Investment in the sector to make sure parents can access high-quality, affordable childcare must go hand in hand with investment in our early years workforce. 

‘Boosting career development and continuous improvement at work is a key part of raising the profile of the profession. The launch of EYupskill will help link trainees and employers with professional development opportunities quickly. I’m delighted that our funding will benefit early years professionals in such a practical way.’

• Visit www.eyupskill.org.uk