University academic advises Department for Education on Early Years provision

Dr Eunice Lumsden, Head of Early Years at the University of Northampton has been a member of the Expert Reference Group working with the Department for Education developing the Level 2 Education Early Years Practitioner and Childcare Workforce qualifications and the careers pathway map which have been published today (26 July).

Both of these developments are extremely important for ensuring that those working in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) have appropriate knowledge and skills to work with children and their families, but also can see clear progression routes for their own professional development.

Dr Eunice Lumsden commented: “Working with young children is an exceptionally rewarding career choice and the career pathway map, and accompanying case studies, aim to support young people and those making a career change, appreciate the rich variety of opportunities the sector offers.

“I’m honoured to have had the opportunity, to shape these standards. I believe they will develop a highly trained, level 2 early childhood workforce, who hold qualifications which are fit-for-purpose, and relevant and will, once rolled out, continue to raise the standard of care for our youngest children.“

Several former University of Northampton students have provided case studies, including the Programme Leader for Early Childhood Studies Tanya Richardson, whose personal story of Foundation Degree through to Ph.D, nursery owner to Programme Leader illustrates perfectly the opportunities working in Early Childhood brings.

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner criteria can be found here.

The early years careers progression map is also live on the CACHE website.