Early Years update - November 2024
An update on everything new within the Early Years and Childcare sector.
The following qualification has been extended:
| Qual number | Title | Review date |
|---|---|---|
| 603/4999/2 | Pearson BTEC Level 2 Diploma for Early Years Practitioner | 31/12/2027 |
Level 3 qualifications
The Pearson Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Learning and Development (Early Years Educator) 601/2963/3 is no longer a mandatory requirement of the Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Standard for new starts from April 2024.
The Apprenticeship Standard provides learners with a full and relevant qualification approved for staff ratios, view the Early years qualification checker.
As of the 1st September this qualification also no longer meets Level 3 criteria. To minimise disruption to the existing workforce, existing Level 3 practitioners already working in settings or already registered on this qualification will not be expected to complete any top-up or additional qualifications to remain qualified at Level 3. They will continue to hold approved qualifications providing their qualification is on the early years qualification list (Post September 2014).
From September 2024, the following Pearson qualifications are approved on the full and relevant list, for new learners from September 2024.
- Pearson BTEC Level 2 Diploma for Early Years Practitioners 603/4999/2
- Pearson BTEC Level 2 Technical Occupational Entry for Early Years Practitioners (Diploma) 610/4251/1 - From September 2025
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Early Years Educator (Diploma) 610/3956/1 - From September 2025
- Pearson Higher National Certificate in Early Years Professional Leadership for England 610/2675/X - From September 2025
- Pearson Higher National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care 603/3899/4
- Pearson Higher National Diploma in Early Years Professional Leadership for England 610/2676/1 - From September 2025
- Pearson Higher National Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Social and Community Care Practice) 603/3900/7
- Pearson Higher National Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Leadership and Management) 603/3900/7
- Pearson Higher National Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Education) 603/3900/7
- Pearson Higher National Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care 603/3900/7