Training Today: Foreword

The radical paring down of more than 200 qualifications is an attempt by the Children's Workforce Development Council to bring greater cohesion and clarity to skills and job roles. In the area of children's care, learning and development, the CWDC says the aim is to help employers accurately identify skills and map them to staff roles. Those planning their careers can get to grips with how the new Level 2 and 3 could get them to where they want to be, by the most direct and practical route.

While enrolment for many existing qualifications is continuing to the end of this year, the new Level 2 and 3 awards will begin to be available from September. It is unlikely that any old awards at these Levels will be offered into 2011, although many will still be valid. Check up on this by visiting CWDC's online Qualifications List.

The overhaul has its detractors, but there is agreement that the design of units provides a useful ladder to progression. A Level 2, for example, will offer higher units that can count towards a Level 3. This also offers portability to other sectors and specialisms to help practitioners widen their career options, without having to start from the bottom again. When it is initially finalised, the Integrated Qualifications Framework promises to make all this clear.

While qualifications may be contracting, continuing professional development keeps expanding. Browse our Improve Your Practice section to get a taste of the many short, inspirational courses available. Whether you are looking to hone your expertise in the area of special educational needs or find out more about how to take maths outdoors, there are courses to suit every budget and time-frame.