Early Years update - July 2019

Technical Level 2

We want to let you know about some changes we have planned to some of our BTEC Early Years qualifications. To ensure that BTECs continue to meet industry standards set by the DfE, we have made the decision to withdraw and/or update some of our BTEC Level 2 Firsts and BTEC Level 2 Technical qualifications. We are also in the process of developing a new competence-based qualification.

What are the DfE requirements?

The DfE requirements for Early Years state: 'All early years providers working with children from birth to 5 years old must follow the regulations on EYFS staff:child ratios… DfE defines the qualifications that staff must hold to count in EYFS staff:child ratios… From 1 September 2019, all level 2 qualifications must meet the level 2 early years practitioner criteria.’

In response to DfE requirements for Early Years qualifications, we have planned the following changes to ensure learners have the right options available for their career progression.

Qualifications being withdrawn

We will be withdrawing:

• 100/6243/9 Pearson BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Children's Care, Learning and Development

• 100/6244/0 Pearson BTEC Level 2 First Diploma in Children's Care, Learning and Development 

Last registration date 31 December 2019

Last Certification date 31 December 2020

We will also be withdrawing:

• 600/7865/0 Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Certificate in Children's Play, Learning and Development in England, but retaining it in Northern Ireland.

Last registration date 31 January 2020

Last Certification date 31 September 2021

There will be two External Assessment windows in 2019/2020, and two in 2020/2021 to allow for resits.

Updated qualifications

We have updated 603/0509/5 BTEC Level 2 Technical Diploma in Children’s Play, Learning and Development (Early Years Assistant) to meet the Early Years Practitioner criteria; and changed the title to comply with DfE requirements to 603/0509/5 BTEC Level 2 Technical Diploma in Children’s Play, Learning and Development (Early Years Practitioner).  

This qualification is available to teach for the first time in 1 September 2019.  The qualification has been updated and some new content added, but this has minimal impact on assessment so the Sample Assessment Materials are still relevant. The updated title for this qualification will be on the 2021 performance tables lists of approved qualifications when they are updated later in July 2019. 

New qualification development - Apprenticeships

We are developing a new competence based qualification Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Diploma for Early Years Practitioners (meeting the EYP criteria). This qualification will be available for first teaching in September 2019 (subject to DfE accreditation). The reason we are doing this is because the current qualification in the SASE Framework 500/9940/1 Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce does not meet EYP criteria.

Learner progression is the key when selecting which qualification is the best option. Please see this route options flow map. 

I would be grateful if you could share this update with the relevant Early Years colleagues at your centre.