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View Full Version : EYPS to do or not to do (already have a degree)



nipper
26-06-2012, 09:32 AM
I know, I know, I have searched for and looked through the other posts about this and really can't make up my mind. I have just finished CYPOP5 which was little more than a paper pushing exercise (no offence intended to anyone currently doing this course) and as my college tutor told me last night 'I really don't know why you did it'.
Thing is I already have a teaching degree (which she tells me is the same as a level 6) and amounts to more credits than the full Level 3, so I'm thinking why not just go the whole hog and just do the EYPS. Six months and I could be done...:rolleyes: assuming it is still a recognised Early Years Qualification.

I gave up teaching after 17 years to become a childminder last July, but am now starting to think about where I want to be in a few years time. If I was ever to return to teaching (if!!), perhaps the EYPS would enable me to work in Foundation stage? On the other hand, I am really enjoying the having my own business side of things as well so perhaps a future roll in a mentoring type position, who knows? I never would have thought I would be the type to actually go and better myself. When I was teaching I never ever put myself forward for promotion or anything like that but the number of positive comments about my 'credentials' I have had recently from my existing parents as well as parents who just come to have a look round has just made me think, perhaps there is more to this than meets the eye?
Thanks for any advice.

Shivvie
26-06-2012, 10:18 AM
I can only say what I would do and if I had a degree already then I would definitely do it, no question about it. It is only 6 months and gives you further potential opportunities, plus can only enhance your existing practice. :)

nipper
26-06-2012, 10:23 AM
plus can only enhance your existing practice. :)

Sort of like a unique selling point for prospective parents...I was thinking along the same lines. Thanks.

Helen79
26-06-2012, 11:46 AM
I have just finished CYPOP5 which was little more than a paper pushing exercise

I'm nearly finished the level 3 diploma and have felt like this. I've worked with children for 8yrs and haven't learnt anything more on the course than I have from the experience of working with children and from using this forum. I suspect a lot of people who have worked with children for a long time feel the same too.

I would do the EYPS course since it's quicker to complete than the level 3.

butterfly
26-06-2012, 11:55 AM
I did the EYPS in 6 months. I didn't learn anything new but it boosted my confidence and made me realise I am good at what I do. It's now opening doors for me (I'm in the process of becoming a Specialist EYP supporting others) and the parents love it!

I say go for it!

Smiley
26-06-2012, 11:55 AM
I completed my early years degree nearly 3 years ago and have been pondering EYPS for at least 4 years. At times I have come very close, filled in application forms, know I. Old have done the validation only route but it was the logistics of needing to tell families I would need certain days off and my concerns about it only being a status and not a qualification. I also didn't agree with graduates who had a degree totally unrelated to children being able to become an EYP.

After reading the Nutbrown report it's not really clear if EYPS has been acknowledged as something to strive for. QTS still remains the qualification required if people want to teach in state nursery schools. I have also come across others asking why on earth would I want EYPS when I'm just a childminder!:angry:

Smiley
26-06-2012, 11:57 AM
My fingers got carried away then should have typed "I could have done validation only route":laughing:

md0u0131
26-06-2012, 12:56 PM
I'm the same as you, have a level 6 teaching qualification and have just done a level 3 diploma in childcare, am seriously thinking of the EYPS route, but then I might do a MA / PhD eventually instead - I'm a course addict!

md0u0131
26-06-2012, 01:14 PM
:eek: I've just called up about doing EYPS - An application form is being e-mailed to me for September!!

Bluebell
26-06-2012, 01:51 PM
I recently applied for level 3 and the interviewer told me I should go for EYPS as I have a degree. (Non-childcare related though.) she said better for me at my level. As they have been promoting their courses and get funding through local council I was surprised that she was so honest with me.
GO for it x

Bushpig
26-06-2012, 02:10 PM
I have a degree (non childcare related), and am interested in EYPS... but wasn't aware I could do a 6 month course to attain this... is this correct?

I have just signed up (was approached by the borough) to do the Diploma in Children and Young People's Workforce... I thought I had to do this PRIOR to attaining EYPS and offering the funded hours..?

Can anyone clarify? Thanks.

md0u0131
26-06-2012, 02:18 PM
:eek: I've just applied for a place for September!

Bushpig
26-06-2012, 02:51 PM
Good luck!!! :thumbsup:

nipper
26-06-2012, 03:38 PM
Bushpig, the company I have been put in touch with are called 'Best Practice Network'. Depending on whether you are a graduate or undergraduate they have different pathways to choose. You can download all the info from their website.

Bushpig
26-06-2012, 04:32 PM
Many thanks nipper! I have emailed my Early Years Team too... so will see what they and the site you mention say. Thanks :):thumbsup:

Bluebell
26-06-2012, 09:12 PM
I have a degree (non childcare related), and am interested in EYPS... but wasn't aware I could do a 6 month course to attain this... is this correct?

I have just signed up (was approached by the borough) to do the Diploma in Children and Young People's Workforce... I thought I had to do this PRIOR to attaining EYPS and offering the funded hours..?

Can anyone clarify? Thanks.

I think it depends on who you do the EYPS through. If you are new to childminding and want to build your foundation of knowledge to underpin your childminding then a practitioner route may not be for you. Although I have been childminding for a year I have applied for the non-practitioner route. I also did this because my degree is non related. When I looked at the requirements for practitioner I didn't really fulfill them all like managing a setting or advising others - I'm too busy trying to grasp everything for myself never mind not knowing what I would advise others!!
Also the lady told me if you do level 3 it may well set you back because you then might be required to do the foundations degree to go on to EYPS. Seemed daft to me but she seemed to think it had happened to someone she knew!
She also advised me to phone and check what the local authority will accept for accreditation because EYPS should do it as a higher level.

Get on to your local DO for advice. x

Bluebell
26-06-2012, 09:14 PM
sorry - see you've already e-mailed for info - doh!

Bushpig
26-06-2012, 09:52 PM
Thanks Blue Lion... will advise on the response... I think LA's have different criteria perhaps?

I have been childminding for 6 years.

md0u0131
27-06-2012, 06:01 PM
Ok so yesterday I submitted my application form, today I had my phone "interview" which consisted of her asking me if I went to any childminder groups! Now have just done an online English test - which had spelling mistakes in!!

Just waiting to hear if I have a place for September now.

Bushpig
27-06-2012, 06:37 PM
Haha oh that's funny... a test with spelling mistakes!!! :rolleyes:

I have not had a reply yet from the Early Years head... I think she's away.

So, do they insist you visit childminder groups? What about playgroups and such? Not specifically childminder groups?

sarak31
27-06-2012, 07:47 PM
I've had conversations with a few training providers for the eyfs and they said I needed to be part of a childminding network to pursue the 6 month pathway as a large part of it is about leadership and developing others. There isn't a network around here so am trying to establish one.

Did anyone else find the leadership part of this a challenge without working with assistants?

nipper
29-06-2012, 12:28 PM
Where do you live Sarak31? Can your local childminding team help you at all?

Helen79
29-06-2012, 12:48 PM
I've had conversations with a few training providers for the eyfs and they said I needed to be part of a childminding network to pursue the 6 month pathway as a large part of it is about leadership and developing others. There isn't a network around here so am trying to establish one.

Did anyone else find the leadership part of this a challenge without working with assistants?


I'm not part of a network either. I phoned the Best Practice Network yesterday and I'm going to do the 6 month EYPS with them. They didn't seem concerned about the leadership part and suggested that volunteering in a nursery might be an idea.

sarak31
29-06-2012, 09:17 PM
Hi nipper - I'm in broxbourne herts. Speaking to my local children's centre they say they are keen to get involved in creating a network / supporting a group but they have tried in the past and they say local childminders just aren't interested - said they would help me if I could find anyone who was interested so that's good but there aren't many of us in the immediate local area and those that are here all seem to be fairly disconnected- I'm determined to get something started tho!

Hi Helen - I spoke to the early years team for my area and they said speak to the children's centre. But I haven't spoken to them specifically about the eyps - I definitely will thanks.

I was looking at the best practice website I think I may apply for that one, great to know that experience in other settings counts, although as a 'work experience' type person there it might be hard to have any leadership type influence.

I'm hoping that it's the type of thing that as you get into it it will all become clearer!

watgem
30-06-2012, 05:36 AM
I've just finished my Early years degree and was thinking about doing this but in our area only accredited childminders can access the funding, which will take about a year to do, and even then the application may not be successful, and what with all the possible changes to childminding I'm not sure it will be worth doing it as a childminder, although it may open doors for other careers? What does everyone think?