Early Years CPD

Check out our CPD Zone for free professional development tips and resources

2012-04-10T23:25:00.000+01:00

If you missed out on attending the Nursery Show this year, then it's not too late to obtain our free professional development tips and resources. We are pleased to announce that the resources can be downloaded via our online CPD ZONE. All you need to do is complete our learner enquiry form to register. What's more, if you also missed out on our free gift below, the 2gb memory stick, then we have 20 still available, to give away to the first 20 learners to register! Our CPD Zone is ideal for qualified practitioners at all levels seeking advice, support, and the latest information and resources to update their practice, or progress their careers, in work with children and young people. We look forward to hearing from you.

Free 2GB USB Drive

Presentation Box

Blue Man Group @ CNN's The Next List

2012-04-08T23:21:00.000+01:00

Originators of the Blue Man Group Matt Goldman, Chris Wink, and Phil Stanton established the Blue School in partnership with their wives as a parent run group in 2006 as a response to the difficulties they had finding an education institution that celebrated 'curiosity, creativity and a sense of adventure for their own children.' In the video that follows they provide some incredible insights on supporting and encouraging learning in children.

TedTalks - What we learn before we're born

2011-11-29T23:43:00.001Z

Question: When does learning begin? Answer: Before we are born. Science writer Annie Murphy Paul discusses new research that shows how much we learn in the womb.

TedTalks - What do babies think?

2011-10-24T20:46:00.000+01:00

What is going on in a baby's mind? In this TedTalk, psychologist Alison Gopnik provides a look at the fascinating minds of babies and children to explain how they interpret information and make decisions while they play.

TedTalks - Studio School - Learning that's 'for real'

2011-09-27T19:58:00.000+01:00

Geoff Mulgan provides a brief introduction to the Studio School where small groups of kids learn by working on projects that are in the words of Mulgan 'for real'.

Helping your child to maintain a positive self image

2011-08-29T20:14:00.001+01:00

With younger children increasingly exposed to a range of ideas about health, beauty and more recently dieting! This video from parentchannel.tv discusses some of the ways to help your child maintain a positive self image so that they are confident and informed. Suggestions include:

Being positive about your child's body
Not making comparisons with other children and
Thinking carefully about your own views

Discipline for teens

2011-08-10T16:41:00.002+01:00

This Parentchanneltv video provides practical tips for tackling the issue of discipline for teens such as; recognising that you are dealing with young adults, keeping calm, negotiation and compromise.

Encouraging creativity

2011-07-21T08:09:00.000+01:00

Stimulating your child's imagination is great for their development, this video from Parentchannel.tv provides tips about activities that promote their creativity whatever their skills or abilities. For childcare practitioners in training, it provides a useful introduction to promoting creativity, view to support your learning for; option units - CYPOP 7 (Level 3 Diploma CYPW): Promote creativity and creative learning in young children or OP 2.17 (Level 2 Certificate CYPW): Contribute to the support of children’s creative development.

University or not?

2011-06-20T20:51:00.000+01:00

A subject that will be on the minds of many young people and their parents this summer. This video from Parentchannel.tv looks at the advantages and disadvantages of going to university, what to expect and the variety of avenues or options that are available for your teenager.

How to cope with the morning rush

2011-05-14T11:21:00.000+01:00

Great video and advice from Parentchannel.tv - needs very little introduction and just had to share. Enjoy!

Reduction in EYFS assessment criteria

2011-03-25T17:00:00.005Z

The Early Years Foundation (EYFS) Review may result in a reduction of the assessment criteria. The review which is being led by Dame Clare Tickell, and due out at the end of this month, may see the criteria that children are assessed against come down from 117 to just 17, according to a report in the Times Education Supplement.

Furthermore, 'literacy' is likely to be removed from the area of learning 'communication, language, and literacy' (CLL) to allay fears that children are being introduced to reading too early. To read the full article click through to the Times Education Supplement website. A welcome change or a change too far? What are your thoughts?

What is CPD and 11 ways to do it?

2011-03-07T14:42:00.001Z

According to the *TDA "Continuing professional development (CPD) consists of reflective activity designed to improve an individual's attributes, knowledge, understanding and skills. It supports individual needs and improves professional practice." The important thing to remember is that CPD can take many forms, here are few:

Reading and reflecting on a book or article to develop your understanding, knowledge, skill about a particular area
Participating in professional development meetings
Reflecting on professional development items at a meeting
Attending an internal training course, seminar or workshop
Attending external conferences, courses and events
Participating in relevant e-learning or social learning activities
Talking to other professionals in your sector to reflect on working practices
Visiting other organisations for ideas about best practice in your sector
Researching and investigating areas of interest and new developments
Taking part in coaching and mentoring
Shadowing a colleague and obtaining peer support

How do you do your CPD? What would you add to the list?

Reference
*Training and Development Agency for Schools

TEDTALKS VIDEO - Patricia Kuhl: The linguistic genius of babies

2011-02-15T22:05:00.000Z

Why my favourite colours are red and orange

2011-02-07T16:49:00.000Z

My favourite colours at the moment are red and orange, not because they look good on me. They don’t! I think I’m one of the few women of colour who looks awful in red and even worse in orange. No, what I’m referring to, are the red and orange boxes that signal a message, like or a request to connect when I login into my Facebook or Linkedin accounts. It really brings a smile to my face. It’s been just over a year since I took my first tentative steps onto the social web by opening a Twitter account. After months of researching, investigating and deliberating from the sidelines, I have reached out to forge new connections and managed to connect to old friends, colleagues and clients.

Am I enjoying the experience? The answer is most certainly ‘Yes’! It’s fast pace, exciting and offers opportunities that are more than just promotional. It’s also great to hear what people are up to, and to share relevant news and information. The biggest buzz for me at the moment, are the opportunities it provides for me to combine my professional interests for learning and business development in a flexible, continuous and social way. I provide learning and business development support to SMEs and professionals working children and young people, if what I tweet or share on Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin is of interest to you, put a smile to my face and connect. By the way, what’s your favourite colour and why?

Count down to funding - don't miss out!

2011-01-12T01:29:00.002Z

The count down to leadership and management funding starts now for employers in the south east. There are only 17 days left for you put in your claim for our funded leadership and management support training. Up to £1,000 worth of funding is available to pay for leadership development support for you and your team, but only if you apply by 4th February 2011!

At Early Years CPD, we have put together a comprehensive range of support available face to face or online for SMEs and organisations operating in the childcare and education sectors. This enables us to be flexible in the type of support than can be provided, from general panagement, planning and budgeting or marketing; to the development of new skills to improve the way you run your business and secure its future. For further details and to beat the deadline complete our business support enquiry form now.

Leadership CPD

2010-12-31T02:14:00.000Z

Learning to lead? Looking to update your management skills? Then check out our online leadership training, a comprehensive suite of short courses suitable for new and aspiring managers wishing to acquire new skills or, as continuing professional development for existing managers looking to update their skills.

Every learner gets a learner account and online access to support from a learning mentor and once registered we don’t just leave you to it; we work with you to support and monitor your progress. Interested? Then complete our learner enquiry form and get started today!

Bundles of knowledge at your fingertips

2010-12-30T22:20:00.003Z

Learning Bundles

How are your plans for professional development going? For those looking for a licence to practice we have created blended and e-learning opportunities that are flexible and accessible. We have broken the Level 3 Diploma in Children Young Peoples' Workforce (CYPW) and the Level 2 Certificate (CYPW) into manageable and affordable learning bundles. Thereby allowing you the learner to build your knowledge and skills levels at a rate and budget that suits your availability for learning.

Each of the bundles provide QCF credits that can be accumulated to provide the full Level 2 Certificate or full Level 3 Diploma in Children’s & Young People’s Workforce (CYPW).

Furthermore, our learning bundles provide added flexibility for those learners that have yet to make up their minds, about which pathway to pursue because Learning Bundle 1 and Learning Bundle 3 are both ‘Shared Core Units’ for the Early Learning and Childcare, Children’s Social Care and Learning and Development Support pathways.

For those seeking CPD learning opportunities the option units provide standalone packages as well as valuable QCF credits for updating skills and professional knowledge. For further information complete our learner enquiry form or contact Sandra on 07904307490.

Understand how to set up a home based childcare service

2010-11-25T23:41:00.005Z

Aspiring childminders and nannies understand how to set up a home based childcare service topics include:

How to set up a home based child care service
Understand how to establish a safe and healthy home based environment for children
Understand the importance of partnerships with parents for all aspects of the home based childcare service
Understand the principles and routines for home based child care

This is a CACHE accredited course, course fee includes registration and assessment, access to online resources and support. It carries 4 QCF credits towards the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce. For further information and or, to sign up onto our programme click here. For an informal chat or discussion about your requirements call Sandra on telephone 07983325968.

Care for the physical and nutritional needs of babies and young children

2010-11-24T20:36:00.002Z

Care for the physical and nutritional needs of babies and young children topics include:
� Providing respectful physical care for babies and young children
� Routines for babies and young children that support their health and development
� Opportunities for exercise and physical activity
� Providing safe and protective environments for babies and young children
� Nutritional needs of babies under 18 months
� Nutritional needs of young children from 18-36 months.

This is a CACHE accredited the fee includes registration and assessment, access to online resources and support. It carries 6 QCF credits towards the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's (CYP) Workforce. For further information and or, to sign up on our programme click here. For an informal discussion about your requirements call Sandra on telephone 07983325968.

Working with babies and young children

2010-11-24T20:09:00.004Z

Working with babies and young children topics include:
� Development and learning of babies and young children
� Promoting the development and learning of babies and young children
� Understand the attachment needs of babies and young children
� Engaging with babies and young children and be sensitive to their needs
� Working in partnership with carers in order to promote the learning and development of babies and young children.

This is a CACHE accredited course, the fee includes registration, assessment, access to online resources and support. It carries 6 QCF credits towards the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's (CYP) Workforce. For further information and or, to sign up on our programme click here. For an informal discussion about your requirements call Sandra on telephone 07983325968.

Become a workplace assessor

2010-11-23T23:47:00.001Z

Become a Workplace Assessor and play a part in leading and facilitating your employees' learning and qualification. Secure discounts on training for your setting when you learn with Early Years CPD. This qualification is intended for members of staff who undertake or wish to undertake assessment of skills and knowledge in their work environment.

Learners have to complete a total of two units: Unit 1 - Understanding the principles and practices of assessment and Unit 2 - Assess occupational competence in the work environment. The course is accredited by CACHE, takes 3 months to complete and carries 9 QCF credits. Delivery is a combination of online and face to face tuition and support. For further details and to book yourself on a programme click here. For an informal chat about the programme contact Sandra on telephone: 07983325968.

CACHE Level 1 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Caring for Children (QCF) - Our 8 Point Guide

2010-10-26T22:38:00.000+01:00

Interested in learning about caring for children, our 8 point guide will get you started:

1. What does this qualification cover?

These qualifications encourage the learners’ interest and understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to care for young children. They build on the knowledge covered in Entry Level (3) Certificate in Caring for a Child(ren).

2. Who is it aimed at?

Young people or adults needing to develop life skills. They are also suitable for parents who wish to develop parenting skills and mature learners with special educational needs or where English is an additional language.

3. What are the entry requirements?

Learners should be at least 14 years old. CACHE does not set any other entry requirements but as a Centre we have our own guidelines.

4. How many credits are required to complete the qualifications?

The Award will require the learner to complete 10 credits in total. The Certificate will require 26 credits and the Diploma 37. Credits from the Award can be carried over and counted towards the Certificate and from the Certificate to the Diploma.

4. How are they assessed?

They will be internally assessed by a range of methods. This could include tasks such as information charts, leaflets or written assignments.

5. Do learners need to be working to take these qualifications?

No as these are knowledge only qualifications.

6. How long do they take to complete?

Learners can usually complete the Award, Certificate and Diploma in a year when taken as part of Foundation Learning.

7. What related qualifications can learners progress to?

Learners will be able to move on to other elements of the 14-19 suites, full Level 2 provision, supported employment or independent living i.e. destinations common to Foundation Learning.

8. Which type of job roles can learners apply for on completion?

It does not qualify learners for a specific job role but the qualification is ideal for those preparing for the "next steps" either in training or moving towards work.

To enrol or to find out more about our programmes visit www.earlyyearscpd.co.uk

EYFS Planning Packs * E-Books * Music (MP3s) * ICT Skills Software

Ensuring that your induction is up to standard - Part Seven

2010-10-24T03:01:00.001+01:00

The final part in our user friendly series about the Induction Standards is all about the requirement for professionals working with children and young people to develop themselves, so that they are able to provide the highest standard of care. It also provides a reminder that practitioners are expected to know how to access and use information and supervision systems within their organisations.

Induction standards part seven

View more presentations from Early Years CPD.

EYFS Planning Packs * E-books * Music (MP3s) * ICT Skills Software

10 Key Facts about the Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (QCF)

2010-10-24T02:03:00.016+01:00

Another 10 tips for those thinking of studying for the CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children's and Young People's Workforce.

1. What does the qualification cover?

This qualification is designed to help learners build the knowledge and skills needed when working with children and young people birth to 19 years of age. It covers a diverse range of job roles and occupational areas working in children’s environments including early years and social care. It is the only QCF Level 2 qualification conferring occupational competence for the Children and Young People’s Workforce.

2. I want to work with children - is this right for me?

Yes it suitable for all those who wish to work or are working in a supervised role in the Children and Young People’s workforce in England.

3. What entry requirements do I need to meet?

You need to be at least 16 years old. CACHE does not set any other entry requirements but Centres may have their own guidelines.

4. How many credits do I need to complete the qualification?

The Certificate will require 35 credits in total.

5. How will I assessed?

You will be internally assessed by a range of methods. This could include direct observation within the workplace, portfolio of evidence, written assignments or a task set by CACHE.

6. Can I do it online?

Yes you can but some of you assessment will need to happen face to face with an Assessor as your practice needs to be observed.

7. Do I need to be employed to take this qualification?

As a learners you will need to be working or on practical placement as you need to show competence in both knowledge and skills.

8. How long will it take me to complete?

Motivated learners can usually complete the Certificate in a year or less.

9. What other qualifications can I progress to?

You will be able to transfer credits and learning from this qualification to the L3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce providing a direct progression route.

10. Which type of job roles can I apply for on completion?

Assistant preschool workers
Assistants in children’s centre
Assistants in day nurseries, nursery schools and nursery

To enrol on or to find out more about our programmes visit www.earlyyearscpd.co.uk

EYFS Planning Packs * E-Books * Music (MP3s) * ICT Skills Software

The Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce - your top ten questions answered

2010-10-20T02:21:00.014+01:00

CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce - Early Learning & Childcare pathways 10 things you wanted to know.

1. What does the qualification cover?

This qualification is designed to help you, the learner build the knowledge and skills needed when working with children and young people from birth to 19 years. It covers a diverse range of job roles and occupational areas and is spilt into three pathways:

• Early Learning and Childcare

• Children’s Social Care

• Learning and Development Support Services.

2. Is the award suitable for childminders?
Yes, there is an optional unit ‘Understand how to set up a home based child care service’ which can be taken as a stand alone unit for those who wish to become registered childminders. It is the only QCF Level 3 qualification providing occupational competence for professionals working with children and young people. At Early Years CPD we specialise in the supply of learning and support for the entire Early Learning and Childcare pathway.

3. I want to work with children - is this aimed at me?

This award is aimed at all those who wish to work, or are working at a un-supervised level in the Children and Young People’s workforce in England.

4. What entry requirements do I need to meet?

Learners should be at least 16 years old.

5. How many credits do I need to complete to acquire qualification?

The Diploma will require 65 credits in total.

6. How will I be assessed?

You will be internally assessed by a range of methods. This could include direct observation within the workplace, an e-portfolio or paper portfolio of evidence, written assignments or a task set by CACHE.

7. Do I need to be working to take this qualification?

As a learner you will need to be working or on practical placement in an environment suitable for the pathway they are taking, as they need to show competence in both knowledge and skills.

8. How long will it take me to complete?
If you are a motivated learner you can usually complete the Diploma in a year.

9. What related qualifications can I progress to?

You can go on to do a Foundation Degrees.

10. Which type of job roles can I apply for on completion?

Early Learning and Childcare Pathway:

Pre-school worker
Practitioner in a children’s centre
Practitioner in day nurseries, nursery schools or reception classes in primary schools
Registered childminders and nannies

To enrol on or to find out more about our programmes visit www.earlyyearscpd.co.uk