What is EYP Status?

It's widely recognised that if we give children a good start in life, they have a better chance of developing into great little people and adults.

EYP Status recognises the need for childcare professionals at graduate level as much as any other profession.

An EYP will continually develop the Early Years Foundation Stage to help children aged 0-5 gain the best possible start.

EYP Status is the highest level for an early years practitioner.

What are the requirements to gain EYP Status?

At the start of each EYPS Pathway each candidate must have:

  • Been subject to a Criminal Records Bureau enhanced disclosure check which shows that they do not have a criminal background that might prevent them working with children and have not previously been excluded from working with children (a check must be carried out even if the candidate has been subject to an enhanced CRB disclosure check for or through another organisation)

  • Achieved a standard equivalent to grade C in GCSE Mathematics and English

  • Demonstrated that they are able to read effectively and communicate clearly and accurately in English to a standard equivalent to Level C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

  • The right to study and work in the UK for at least the duration of their pathway

Please note: Level 2 Key Skills are not accepted as GCSE equivalents. See funding page for details of support from your local authority for GCSEs.

Who is eligible?

You need to have a full degree or foundation degree to gain EYP Status. The length of time it takes for you to gain the status will depend on your qualifications and experience working with the 0-5 year age range.

The part-time Practitioner Pathways are fully funded by the CWDC for graduates and foundation degree qualified practitioners working in settings on the Early Years Register (i.e. nursery, pre-school or childminder).

If you are a graduate who does not work in any of the above early years settings, the Entry Pathways will be the route for you.

If you don't currently have a degree or a foundation degree, there is funding available to those working in childcare to gain Level 3 early years qualifications and progress to the Early Years Foundation Degree.

View the pathway chart for more details.

Most importantly you must be a strong leader, committed to early years excellence and improving outcomes for children by giving them the very best start in life.

See the CWDC's EYP Eligibility web page for more guidance.

 

 

 

 

 

Why should I be interested?

A career in early years can be highly rewarding. If you are eligible for a funded CWDC place, the training and support to become an EYP is free. View the CWDC's EYP Funding pages of their website for more information.

In Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole local authority areas the EYP may receive a salary increase and the setting could benefit from a funding increase (see below). If you are already working within early years and are on one of the Practitioner Pathways your employer will receive supply cover to release you to gain the status.  If you do not currently work in the sector and enroll on one of the Entry Pathways you will receive a bursary. See funding page for more details (selecting the relevant local authority you work or live within)..

There are full, part-time and term time only opportunities in early years.

What will my role be?

Staffing structures will differ between each early years setting. As an EYP you could be a leader, supervisor or the overall manager, depending on the structure and vacancies available.

You will often work as part of a team of skilled and committed people, working with young children. You will have an important role in leading and supporting other staff by helping them develop their practice, establish and maintain positive relationships with children and communicate work in partnership with families, carers and other professionals.

Go to the Childcare Jobs Dorset  website for current job vacancies.

 Funding for settings to employ an EYP

Early Years settings in Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole local authority areas who commit to employ an EYP may be eligible for generous incentives while staff study for the Early Years Foundation Degree and further rewards once they achieve EYP Status.

This funding gives Dorset settings an extra financial resource to implement the Early Years Foundation Stage effectively and increase salaries for leaders working towards and achieving EYP Status.

See our funding page for more details (selecting the relevant local authority you work or live within).