A website has been launched by the DfE to provide early years practitioners with impartial advice and information about training and development. EYupskill has been developed as part of the Government’s Early Years Workforce Strategy by the Pre-school Learning Alliance, with a funding grant from the Department for Education’s Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS).
Practitioners can use the website to search for training by location, subject and level. The website also offers learners examples of how they can develop in their career.
There are some featured training providers including National Day Nurseries Association, PACEY, Smartpractice Childcare Consultants, Safetyfirst Training and Early Years Hub.
Other training providers can also be included in the directory; they can upload their contact information and logo for free.
EYupskill has been funded by the DfE until March 2018. It is then expected to become self-sustaining through paid ‘hot spots’ and adverts being included, however being featured in the directory will remain free.
Sarah Geekie, a spokesperson for EYupskill, said, “EYupskill links training providers and potential learners in a unique and accessible way. It will become the go-to site for all aspects of early years workforce development and training. EYupskill enables practitioners to locate training opportunities at the touch of a button and provides up-to-date, impartial advice on workforce development policies and requirements.
“For training providers, whether they are a sole trader operating in a single area or a national provider, EYupskill provides free access to the 500,000 practitioners working in the sector.
“The more training providers who register their details, the more useful the site becomes to practitioners which, in turn, means more traffic to registered training providers’ websites. As such we encourage all training organisations to sign up to EYupskill as soon as possible.”
Children and families minister Robert Goodwill said, “Investment in the sector to make sure parents can access high-quality, affordable childcare must go hand in hand with investment in our early years workforce.
“Boosting career development and continuous improvement at work is a key part of raising the profile of the profession. The launch of EYupskill will help link trainees and employers with professional development opportunities quickly. I’m delighted that our funding will benefit early years professionals in such a practical way.”
Find out more http://eyupskill.org.uk/