GCSE requirements

**claire1982** · 06-02-2013, 02:04 PM

Hi there, currently doing my cypop5 course, and i want to know something about these new requirements that the goverment are planning, will childminders also need to have GCSE'S grade c or above in maths and english or is it just nursery workers?thanks

**sarah707** · 06-02-2013, 06:29 PM

It is not law yet - nothing has changed yet - however, the document is not really clear is it? ... hmmm another question to ask

Early Years Educators.
We must also improve the quality of people below graduate level working in the early years. In future, people will train at Level 3 to become Early Years Educators. Only the best qualifications, which meet rigorous criteria set out by the Teaching Agency, will earn the ‘Early Years Educator’ title. All Early Years Educators will be required to have at least a C grade in GCSE English and maths. They will often act as assistants to Early Years Teachers.
It is our aspiration that over time, group childcare will increasingly be delivered by Early Years Teachers and Early Years Educators.
We hope parents will come to recognise these titles as benchmarks of quality.

**SammySplodger** · 06-02-2013, 09:19 PM

Sarah - any idea how the new qualifications requirement might work for someone with Maths & English and a (non-childcare related) degree? Will I still have to do a level 3?

BTW: your posts generally make me feel soooo much happier about all the **** currently going on for CMs :-D I would like to give you a huge box of imaginary online chocolates: ...... there you go!
Thank you!

**mumphie** · 06-02-2013, 09:48 PM

I am about to start my level 3. I have a teaching degree but not in Early Years so was told I still need to do it. I also have GCSE's but they are too old. Level 3 here I come.

**JaneyB** · 06-02-2013, 10:01 PM

I've 7 O levels, 3 A-levels from the late 1970's (yes - I'm old), 25 years IT project management experience, 5 years running my own gardening business, CYPOP5 and 2 years full on experience in the job of my dreams - childminding. But I am completely cheesed off with the government and their changes. I'm not doing a level 3 until it's standardised across the country (Level 3 what?) and an absolute requirement as I can see all of this being all upturned on the whim of the government - again.

**SammySplodger** · 06-02-2013, 10:02 PM

GCSEs too old? really? Do you have to re-do them? I have O Level Maths and English, so reeeeeeeally old. I though once you got them that was that. Someone please verify?!

How long does a level 3 take, how much does it cost and what hours do you need to put in to pass on a part time course?

Ta :-D

**lilac_dragon** · 06-02-2013, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by sarah707

It is not law yet - nothing has changed yet - however, the document is not really clear is it? ... hmmm another question to ask

Early Years Educators.
We must also improve the quality of people below graduate level working in the early years. In future, people will train at Level 3 to become Early Years Educators. Only the best qualifications, which meet rigorous criteria set out by the Teaching Agency, will earn the ‘Early Years Educator’ title. All Early Years Educators will be required to have at least a C grade in GCSE English and maths. They will often act as assistants to Early Years Teachers.
It is our aspiration that over time, group childcare will increasingly be delivered by Early Years Teachers and Early Years Educators.
We hope parents will come to recognise these titles as benchmarks of quality.

But Saaaaraaaah..........I'm so old that I have GCE's not GCSE's!!!!!!!!!

**SammySplodger** · 06-02-2013, 10:07 PM

JaneyB - Have 9 O Levels, 3 A Levels and a BA Hons - all of the 'vintage' variety (ahem!) followed by 12 years experience of high pressure, responsible (much better paid!) work.

Cannot believe I really need to do yet MORE training! There should be some sort of points system. Think I might hold fire on this one too... it's bound to change AGAIN!

**2kidsunder5** · 06-02-2013, 10:34 PM

I may be wrong, and I'm sure someone will be along to correct me. If, and when, the new reforms come into place the GCSE maths and english will only be a requirement for NEW childminders. Us oldies should be ok

**JCrakers** · 06-02-2013, 11:06 PM

I do have a GCSE c grade in English but only a D in maths. But my NNEB is equivalent to an A level.

My mindees can count to the required level but my lack of maths skills means they are not doing so well with their fractions and algebra...tut..tut.

;p

**LauraS** · 06-02-2013, 11:57 PM

I have the required gcses but no certificates as proof. I do, however, have four A levels in maths, English, chemistry and biology, grades were three As, a B. Plus industry specific professional quals and experience.

When applying for jobs in the public sector in previous years which required maths and English at grade c and above, I was sometimes rejected as I did not (could not prove I had) the required gcses. Despite the fact I had a levels in those subjects at good grades. Despite prof. quals. Despite proof of my professional competence (in an industry where we were regularly audited and could therefore demonstrate competence easily).

That's the public sector.for you, logic.and common sense often doesnt apply. I am look forward to being forced to resit my gcses.

**shortstuff** · 07-02-2013, 06:32 AM

I had to prove i was competant to GCSE standard C or above to be able to complete the CYPOP 5 course. You do this on learn direct using a level checker. Hth :-)

**wendywu** · 07-02-2013, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by 2kidsunder5

I may be wrong, and I'm sure someone will be along to correct me. If, and when, the new reforms come into place the GCSE maths and english will only be a requirement for NEW childminders. Us oldies should be ok

E Truss was saying that the numbers of CM had dropped by half in the recent years ( im sure i read that somewhere) so no way would she make existing minders resit exams. They would leave in droves. I think we are safe.

I dont even think i could lay my hands on my O and A level results

**LauraS** · 07-02-2013, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by Gail Tracey

I had to prove i was competant to GCSE standard C or above to be able to complete the CYPOP 5 course. You do this on learn direct using a level checker. Hth :-)

Me too, but common sense doesn't always prevail...

**SammySplodger** · 07-02-2013, 10:47 AM

wendywu my conspiracy theory is that Truss and co are deliberately trying to make it difficult for us to continue childminding... They seem to be throwing so many obstacles in our way and the reforms are so destructive that I can't see another (rational) explanation.