March 2016 work-based learning and colleges update: Childcare sector
This month's Childcare sector update includes information on our sector development forums, new apprenticeship standards and some news articles from the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY).
Sector development forums
There are a few places remaining in April for Birmingham and London.
Look out for further dates in October and November 2016.
Early years educator apprenticeship standard
The early years educator apprenticeship standard is now available.
An apprenticeship standard is only available for delivery when:
- both the standard and assessment plan is approved, and
- a funding band (core government contribution) has been assigned to the standard.
This standard is not ready for delivery due to the assessment plan not yet being approved.
News from PACEY
Revised National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare in Wales
The Welsh Government has published the revised National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare for children up to the age of 12 years in line with the changes to regulation, registration and inspection that will come into force from April 2016.
Ofsted to bring early years inspections in-house
Nick Jackson, Ofsted Director of Corporate Services, announced that from April 2017 inspections of early years settings will be brought in-house. Currently Ofsted early years inspections are contracted out to companies called Tribal and Prospects. These contracts will come to an end on 31 March 2017.
Expectations of inspection
Ofsted has published a document which outlines the conduct expected during an inspection from both inspectors and providers.