Qualifications needed for 2025/26
FdA (or equivalent) in Early Years and experience in a relevant setting. 240 CATS points. Employment in an appropriate setting (paid or voluntary) for at least 16 hours per week for the duration of the course. Normally, two years' experience in an appropriate setting.
Your background experience, previous education and training equivalent to the typical offer will be considered if you do not meet the formal entry requirements. Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is offered for those who are unsure of the current value of their qualifications. We are seeking people who wish to enthuse and motivate young children as well as developing further their own knowledge, skills and understanding in young children's care and education.
Pathway-specific requirementsGraduate Practitioner Pathway
In addition to the above, to take part in the Graduate Practitioner Competencies pathway, you will need:
- to be assessed in your workplace
- to have access to alternative placements/work settings/community settings outside your usual place of work to provide evidence practice across the 0-8 age range (25 days)
- mentoring support from a Critical Professional Associate (CPA) in the setting/s during placement
To achieve the Graduate Practitioner Status, on completion of the Early Childhood Graduate Competencies, have achieved Level 2 English and Maths qualifications at grade 4 or above, or hold a formally recognised equivalent.
Qualifications needed for 2026/27
FdA (or equivalent) in Early Years and experience in a relevant setting. 240 CATS points. Employment in an appropriate setting (paid or voluntary) for at least 16 hours per week for the duration of the course. Normally, two years' experience in an appropriate setting.
Your background experience, previous education and training equivalent to the typical offer will be considered if you do not meet the formal entry requirements. Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is offered for those who are unsure of the current value of their qualifications. We are seeking people who wish to enthuse and motivate young children as well as developing further their own knowledge, skills and understanding in young children's care and education.
Pathway-specific requirementsGraduate Practitioner Pathway
In addition to the above, to take part in the Graduate Practitioner Competencies pathway, you will need:
- to be assessed in your workplace
- to have access to alternative placements/work settings/community settings outside your usual place of work to provide evidence practice across the 0-8 age range (25 days)
- mentoring support from a Critical Professional Associate (CPA) in the setting/s during placement
To achieve the Graduate Practitioner Status, on completion of the Early Childhood Graduate Competencies, have achieved Level 2 English and Maths qualifications at grade 4 or above, or hold a formally recognised equivalent.
