Early Years Professional Status

The Government's response to the Children's Workforce Strategy identified the benefits of developing the role of Early Years Professional (EYP). The role is supported by a set of 39 national standards set at graduate level which covers work with children from birth to the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Those who demonstrate these standards will be awarded EYPS which will be equivalent in level to qualified teacher status (QTS).

The Government's aim is to have EYPs in all children's centres offering early years provision by 2010 and in every full day care setting by 2015.
EYPs will be key to raising the quality of early years provision. They will be change agents to improve practice. They will lead practice across the Early Years Foundation Stage, and will support and mentor other practitioners and model the skills and behaviours that safeguard and promote good outcomes for children.

In many larger settings, EYPs will not necessarily be the manager or the setting leader. Their role will be working directly with children, staff and parents, leading practice in the setting, rather than in a supernumary, managerial capacity. It is not assumed or intended that an EYP should lead and manage multi-agency,multi-disciplinary, children's centre settings. The National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership (NPQICL) addresses the needs of those in a leadership role within multi-agency Children's Centres.

Further information

For more information on Early Years Professional Status, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/projects/earlyyears.htm, or call CWDC on 0113 244 6311.

 

Last Modified: 24/09/2008 10:18:35
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