Qualifications and training

Training is vital whether you are looking to:

progress in your career DfE Early years career progression map (opens new window)
learn new skills for your current role
refresh your knowledge of safeguarding and other key areas

Working towards a qualification provides a good framework for your learning and enables you to evidence the skills you have learned. Choosing an appropriate level is essential to ensure both you and your employer benefit from the qualification.

Guidance - early years qualifications (opens new window)

Each awarding body will vary in their delivery but all providers will follow the minimum requirements for the award. Students will need to show competence in a real workplace situation (under assessor observation), complete written assignments, evidence professional records and may also be required to complete a longitudinal study.

Before choosing your assessment centre, clarify the support you will receive and discuss with your manager. Does the qualification have the right level of support for you? The key information you need to know is:

how long will you have to complete the qualification?
how often will your assessor visit you in the workplace?
how will they support you to complete your assignments?
does the provider offer additional sessions around the subject topic?
will the qualification enable you to be counted in ratio in your early years provision?

Contact your nearest college or local provider for more information and costs.

Paediatric first aid training is intended for anyone working in an early years setting. All providers must meet the content and delivery standards set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework (January 2024). First aid courses do not need local authority approval but we do recommend you follow the EYFS guidance to choosing your training provider.

Statutory Framework January 2024 (opens new window)

All newly qualified entrants to the early years workforce who have completed a level 2 and/or level 3 qualification on or after 30 June 2016, must have either a full paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate or an emergency PFA certificate within three months of starting work in order to be included in the required staff:child ratios at level 2 or level 3 in an early years setting. PFA training must be renewed every three years and be relevant for workers caring for young children and, where relevant, babies.

To register as a childminder with Ofsted or a Child Minding Agency a childminder must demonstrate that they have knowledge and understanding of the EYFS, including how to implement it. We offer the Introduction to Childminder Practice (ICP) course online only. The course will help you understand and implement the Early Years Foundation Stage before you can register with Ofsted or a childminding agency. The course consists of three modules; Module 1: Regulations and legislation - safety in the environment and health and hygiene, Module 2: Safeguarding and child protection, Module 3: Learning and development - working in partnership with parents, observation and assessments and transitions.

Total course cost: £165. Once purchased you have up to 12 weeks to complete the course.

A recent testimonial from one of our learners completing the online childminding course: Thank you so much for all your help, I thought the course was fab! I would definitely recommend it! Easy to use with loads of useful info.

For more information email ChildcareExpansion@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).

If you work with children, young people and families, you can sign up to our website, Right Choice (opens new window) to: