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'Occupational maps': new system of organising childcare qualifications.

The maps show all childcare vocational qualifications organised into an Education and Childcare ‘route’ to employment.

The route is subdivided into clusters of occupations which have ‘similar training requirements’.

Apprenticeship standards are included on the maps as appropriate qualifications for the cluster of occupations.

According to the document, the ‘early education and childcare assistant’ cluster is associated with a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.

Occupations are defined not as specific jobs or job titles but as sets of jobs ‘requiring similar knowledge, skills and behaviours’. 

‘Inaccurate’

However sector bodies have voiced concerns that these maps as they stand do not link the correct qualification with correct area of work. Since Nursery World raised the matter, the IfA has amended one part of the consultation. See our story here

The map will be used to develop T-levels, classroom-based programmes of study which take two years and are an alternative to apprenticeships.

This consultation closes on 25 January. You can take part here