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...

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

Originally Posted by Shivvie

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!

**Smiley** · 26-06-2012, 11:57 AM

My fingers got carried away then should have typed "I could have done validation only route"

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

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

I've just applied for a place for September!

**Bushpig** · 26-06-2012, 02:51 PM

Good luck!!!

**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

**Bluebell** · 26-06-2012, 09:12 PM

Originally Posted by Bushpig

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!!!

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?