Qualifications
All registered childminders should attend introductory
training courses in childcare practice and first aid when they
register.
For many childminders, these are the first steps on a longer
training pathway.
For childcarers wanting to develop their careers, there are many
courses to be investigated - even up to degree level. There is a
useful explanation of the
different levels of qualification available to childcare
workers on the Children's Workforce and Development Council's
(CWDC) website.
New level 3 diploma
The new level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s
Workforce is a collection of units that, as well as offering an
initial course about starting a home-based childcare business
(CYPOP5, or Understand how to set up a home based childcare
service), provide a defined pathway to a nationally recognised
qualification.
All childminders in England and Wales can start their
childminding careers by undertaking a new preparatory course
in home-based childcare. The couse, known as CYPOP5 provides
an excellent grounding in running a home-based business and the
credits you earn count towards the full diploma*.
The diploma will provide the underpinning knowledge needed to
move on to a foundation degree in Early Years and will help to
support the move to Early Years Professional Status.
* Prospective childminders should contact their local authority
or Family Information Service to check which introductory
courses they approve as this may vary between areas.