The qualification focuses on improving provision and practice for children from birth to three.
It is hoped this will help build crucial expertise in an area which risks getting left behind.
Ms Manning-Morton, who is giving seminars at next year’s Nursery World Show, will lead the course – accredited by Middlesex University and equivalent to the first half year of a degree.
The expert, a consultant at Key Times Professional Development, described the certificate as a ‘cost-effective first step into degree level study’.
She added, ‘In addition to being an excellent opportunity for practitioners to reflect on delivering and leading practice for under-threes, it has been shown to make a really positive impact on practice and provision.
‘Previously only available by specific arrangement with individual local authorities, I am delighted that it is now available for individual practitioners and settings to access directly.’
The part-time course, which starts in January next year, is designed to meet the specific professional needs of experienced early childhood practitioners working with or leading provision for children aged from birth to three.
It is suitable for managers, room leaders, practitioners, family support workers and childminders.
Early Education’s chief executive Beatrice Merrick, said she was ‘excited’ to be working with Ms Manning-Morton.
‘There is still a lot of work to be done to improve provision for two-year-olds, and with Government funding focused on the two-plus age range, the quality of provision for under- twos often receives less attention than the older age groups.
‘We hope this qualification will help to build crucial expertise among practitioners working with the 0-3 age range, and highlight the importance of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to provide early childhood education and care for our youngest children.’
Previous students have reviewed the module favourably, with on saying it had changed their thinking about the agegroup and another claiming to have more empathy for parents.
One remarked, ‘It has been really helpful to learn about two-year-olds.
‘I will be changing the room layout and the way I deal with challenging behaviour.’
Ms Manning-Morton’s methods have variously been described as engaging and supportive.
- Read more here.
- Find out about Ms Manning-Morton's seminar on self-regulation at the Nursery World Show
