This document provides information and updates for early years educators. It summarizes recent qualification changes and funding updates. Key points include: - New GCSE entry requirements for the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, requiring English and maths at grade C or higher. This applies to both full-time students and those taking out 24+ loans. - Changes to apprenticeship funding that will now fully support apprentices again through August 2014. A new apprenticeship framework is being developed for September 2014. - A new Level 2 qualification being offered as a precursor to the Level 3 qualification. - Updates to learner support funding and collecting destination data from learners after course completion.

1. 1
No. 13 2013-14
QTB 13
We’re preparing for another year of great change for
training in the sector. This QTB aims to gather together
the ‘known knowns’ and identify the remaining ‘known
unknowns’.
Providing support,
Making connections
Keeping you informed
Success rates 2013-14 …. So far!
Level Success Rate 12-13 Potential success rate 13-14
(providing remaining learners pass)
National Bench Mark
1 92% 89% 90%
2 78% 81% 82%
3 82% 82% 85%
CONGRATULATIONS!
This great Alliance picture is the new image
on workshop and short course attendance
certificates.
New Alliance Publications
Bilingualism in the Early Years
Language links
CONTENT
ADMIN CORNER
24+learner Loans – update and advice
Disclosure and Barring Service
Learner Support Funding
Destination Data
Qualifications programme
Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young
People’s Workforce – last enrolments
Our Level 3 Diploma statistics
Apprenticeships are back
The new Pre-Level 3 qualification - CACHE Level
2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years
Education and Care (QCF)
First aid changes
New Level 3 EYE – GCSE entry requirement
Lost GCSE and O Level Certificates
Internet tips
Smarter searching
Quarterly
Training
Bulletin

2. 2
ADMINCORNER DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE
Divisional help
Click here for DBS website
Learner having difficulty getting a DBS check
completed by their placement host may ask for this
to be done by the relevant divisional office. The
charge will be £44.
24+ LEARNER LOANS – update and advice
24+ loans had a difficult start but now interest is
picking up well. Student Finance England (SFE) has
received 50,000 applications. Of these:
 12% needed further evidence
 3% were ineligible
 4% were later withdrawn
Advice from SFE – providing evidence
 Applications with in-date passports are
processed most quickly
 Learners should apply in the same name
as their passport
 Applications using birth certificates may
take 4 weeks to process
 It’s worth having a friend or family
member check your inputs into the web
form when you apply on-line – `a second
pair of eyes’, to make sure your inputs
are correct.
Applications – rules for further loans
In the second year we may start to receive
applications from people who have already had a
loan. Learners are allowed to have up to four 24+
student loans, but there are restrictions in the type.
They are not able to have more than one loan for a
qualification of the same size and level, even if they
cover different subject matter E.g.
Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s
Workforce
+ Level 3 Diploma in Leadership and Management

But they may have more than one loan at the same
level if the qualification is a different size. E.g.
Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s
Workforce
+ Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management

Remember the +24 Loans microsite
http://www.24plusmicrosite.com/
for up-to-date info and FAQs
LEARNER SUPPORT FUNDING – still available
The Learner Support Fund is still available to provide
financial help to eligible learners to help with books,
travel and childcare costs. This includes learners who
have taken out 24+ student loans.
Eligible learners could cover the cost of a DBS check
as part of their LSF application.
Information about eligibility and applying is on the
Learner Support Fund pdf document. You can find
this now in the resources section of
https://system.learningassistant.com/psla/.
Alternatively, write to zoe.harrison@pre-
school.org.uk, or sharon.freeman@pre-school.org.uk
and they will send you a copy.
Zoe and Sharon are based at the Tonbridge office –
01732 363070 - and can answer questions and
receive and process LSF applications.
DESTINATIONS DATA – now on class register
SFA and our auditors have asked us to improve the
quality of the data we collect at the end of a
qualification courses. Insufficient learners tell us
about their career outcomes as a result of taking
the course.
Future data requirements
This will be in preparation for the future where
SFA will expect learners to not only succeed but
also to get a job, a new job or some promotion as
a result of taking the qualification.
Immediate data collection changes
For today we need to get a better return of data.
At the moment learners are asked to provide this
data as part of their ILP.
This does not work well so we have decided to
change the way we collect this. In future you will
find a grid on the reverse of the class register in
the final term. Complete this as learners complete
their qualifications. Send in the completed grid
when you send in the final register.
Job Done

3. 3
Our Level 3 Diploma
statistics
Since September 2010:
1511 learners
85% achieved the qualification
Youngest to achieve – aged 17
Oldest to achieve – aged 65
56 tutors have taught on the
programme.
LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA FOR THE CHILDREN AND
YOUNG PEOPLE’SWORKFORCE – last enrolments
It is with regret that we see the end of the current
Level 3 Diploma on 31st July 2014. It has been a
qualification that suited the great majority of our
mature learners, 76% of whom are aged 30 plus.
We have taught and assessed it with integrity,
and sent many able childcare learners back to
their settings to lead and manage.
Unfortunately the Diploma did not suit younger,
less experienced learners or their colleges or
training providers.
The change will happen from 1st August, but in
the meantime we will continue to seek
enrolments for the current level 3 for as long as
we are able. A promotional advert will appear in
Under Five in May, to encourage potential
learners to contact the Training Centre to discuss
and get advice. The outcome of initial assessment
of literacy will guide enrolment decisions.
Qualifications programme
APPRENTICESHIPS ARE BACK!
When 24+ Learner Loans began last summer +24
Level 3 apprentices were only entitled to 50% of
the funding needed through their loan. They
were expected to either fund the rest
themselves, or get help from their employer.
You can read the press coverage about the
results of this decision in December 2013
Apprenticeship loan poor uptake and in January
2014 Apprenticeship funding article
SFA Funding reinstated March 2014
The Government announced a change in this
policy and the arrangements were put in place in
March (those 404 apprentices with loans will
have their loans written off!)
We are keen to enroll apprentices using the
current framework until 31
st
July 2014.
Apprenticeship funding eligibility criteria are:
 Residency - must be settled in the UK or
EEA for 3 years prior to start
 Must be employed
 Must have reached school leaving date
 Must not have level 4 qualification or
higher for intermediate and advanced
Apprenticeships
 Must not be in full-time education
September 2014 onwards
From September a new apprenticeship
framework will be in place. The Alliance is part
of the employers’ group currently negotiating
what will be included. The DfE’s new GCSE entry
requirements are expected to be part of the new
framework.
Longer term funding proposals
The longer-term future of apprenticeships looks
less favourable for small employers. Department
for Business has proposed that funding would be
routed through employers and the PAYE system.
Employers will be expected to commission
training themselves. Commentators predict that
this system will be easy for larger apprentice
employers to handle, for example Rolls Royce.
However, it will be very difficult for small and
medium size employers to administer. Currently
small training providers provide 90% of
apprenticeships.

4. 4
THE NEW PRE-LEVEL 3 QUALIFICATION - CACHE Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years Education
and Care (QCF)
Cache has created a new Level 2 as the ideal pre-cursor to the new Level 3 EYE.
These are the unit titles
Theme 1- Introducing the Role of the Early Years Practitioner
Unit 1.3 Support physical care routines for children
Unit 2.1 An introduction to the role of the early years practitioner
Unit 5 Understand how to work in partnership
Theme 2 – Legislation, Framework and Professional Practice
Unit 2 Understand legislation relating to the safeguarding, protection and welfare of children
Unit 3 Use legislation relating to the health and safety of children
Unit 4 Use legislation relating to equality, diversity and inclusive practice
Theme 3 – Play, Development and Learning for School
Unit 3.8 Understand how to plan to meet the needs of the developing child
Unit 6 Supporting children’s play
Unit 7 Support children's play in early years
Unit 8 Support the needs of the child in preparing for school
Unit 10 Supporting children's development
Unit 11 Use observation, assessment and planning
Unit 12 Support children’s positive behaviour
Theme 4 – Professional Development
Unit 9 Engage in professional development
Option units (Choose 2)
Unit 1.1 Support healthy lifestyles for children through the provision of food and nutrition
Unit 1.2 Support healthy lifestyles for children through exercise
OP 1 Support children with additional needs
OP 2 Support creative play
The qualification is slightly smaller than the current Level 2 at 33 credits. Cache provides tutor guidance and a
suggested order and timing for delivery. This qualification will be provided through classroom tuition and
workplace assessment.
Training to deliver this course will be provided this summer.
FIRST AID CHANGES
You’ll note that the new Level 2 does not the two
paediatric first aid units.
These have been re-written as two level 3 units and
set as a two unit award. See Cache website page on
Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid.
We will continue to provide this training, and will
consider the changes necessary to deliver it at Level
3 in the summer/autumn.
EYFS Statutory Framework changed First Aid
requirement March 2014
`3.25 At least one person who has a current
paediatric first aid certificate must be on the
premises and available at all times when children
are present, and must accompany children on
outings. Childminders, and any assistant who might
be in sole charge of the children for any period of
time, must hold a current paediatric
first aid certificate. Paediatric first aid training
must be relevant for workers caring for young
children and where relevant, babies. Providers
should take into account the number of
children, staff and layout of premises to ensure
that a paediatric first aider is able to respond to
emergencies quickly.’
The requirement for First Aid training to be
Local Authority Approved has been removed.
A footnote states
`Providers can choose which organisation they
wish to provide the training (preferably one
with a nationally approved and accredited first
aid qualification or one that is a member of a
trade body with an approval and monitoring
scheme) but the training must cover the course
content as for St John Ambulance or Red Cross
paediatric first aid training and be renewed
every three years.’

5. 5
NEW LEVEL 3 EARLY YEARS EDUCATOR
QUALIFICATION – the GCSE entry requirement
We will provide the new CACHE Level 3 Diploma for
the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
(QCF) qualification from September 2014.
The new GCSE entry requirements
The government announcement on 25th February
confirmed the proposal of January 2013.
The SFA funding rules 2014-15 state
`From 1 August 2014, to be eligible for funding for
Early Years Educator learning aims, new learners will
need GCSE English and maths at grade C or above.
You must confirm the learner’s prior achievement of
GCSE grade A* to C in both English and maths, and
record this in the Learning Agreement before
enrolling learners.’
Rules for learners aged 16-19
Later the government agreed that 16-19 year olds
may enrol without both GCSEs. These learners must
continue to study and achieve at least a Grade C in
each by the time they compete their Level 3 EYE. For
colleges providing this full-time qualification this
represents a risk. Employers will be must to check
that recruits have both the EYE and the GCSE
certificates to be able to count them in ratios. A
Level 3 EYE without these GCSEs is not going to help
young people become employed.
Rules apply to learners taking 24+ loans
There has also been confusion about whether the
rule about GCSE and funding applies to the 24+
student loans. We discovered that it does. Loans are
treated as if they are public funding. To be eligible
for a 24+ loan, the learner must meet the GCSE
requirements.
Our web survey
We carried out a small web survey, inviting
comments on the GCSE issue from Level 3 learners
2010 - date.
78% of those responding achieved GCSE A-C, O Level
or CSE Grade 1 English
57% of those responding achieved GCSE A-C, O Level
or CSE Grade 1 Mathematics
Opinion about the policy was split 50/50
agree/disagree
Lost GCSE and O Level Certificates
The majority of our learners are over 30, so it’s
possible that some potential recruits may not be
able to find GCSE/O Level / CSE certificates
awarded of decades ago.
In our survey we asked whether respondents could
have showed their certificates when they enrolled
for the course. 55% said that they could have
brought their English certificates, and 42% said
they could have brought their mathematics
certificates.
Replacing lost English and Maths Certificates
There is a service to enable qualifications holders
to get replacement certificates.
They should go to the following webpage for
information on how to apply.
https://www.gov.uk/replacement-exam-certificate
Applicants will need to remember the name of the
awarding body for their exams. All the data from
old awarding bodies is in safe-keeping of the newer
ones. The details can be found on the website and
application form. The replacement cost is £37 per
certificate.
The Future
Many people in the sector and in influential
positions have pointed out the challenges of this
change. Alternatives proposed have included:
 Level 2 functional skills as a more
appropriate qualification.
 all Level 3 EYE learners should be
expected to hold both GCSEs by the end of
their Level 3 study (equality with 16-19
year olds).
The government has not been persuaded.
We must accept that this decision is made and is
unlikely to change.
This will change the ways in which we provide
qualifications. It’s likely that a proportion of our
mature learners will hold both GCSEs, but there
may not be enough living in one area and able to
provide training in our customary way.
Now is the time for some creativity in designing our
delivery! Level 2 may be the best approach for all
learners as a good preparation for Level 3. You’ll
hear more about our new programme delivery
over the summer. In the meantime we need to
help as many become qualified with the current
qualification.

6. 6
Duckduckgo
But maybe you’re weary of Google. Why does it
always seem to know too much about you? Does
it come back with rather predictable lists? Google
is set up to become familiar with your searches,
which can be helpful, and sometimes not. Maybe
you’d like a refreshing change. A website that
doesn’t assume it knows you and what you like.
You need https://duckduckgo.com
Duckduckgo could send you back results that you
hadn’t considered.
Saving your searches – Diigo
It can be helpful to be able to save your searches.
Once found it can be difficult to trace your way
back to that valuable page! You can use a social
bookmarking site such as
https://www.diigo.com
You’ll need to open a free account with this site
but when this is done you will be able to access
your bookmarks from any internet browser.
You can organize your bookmarked pages in
folders in your library on the site.
SMARTER SEARCHING
Google advanced search
Google is the most popular search engine for most people
using the internet. It is so popular that searching has
become ‘known as Googling’. But there’s more to its
search facilities that that famous front page.
https://www.google.co.uk/
Underneath that page there is an advanced search page
that allows the information seeker to refine their search.
You can reach this page via Google’s settings, and also
through this link.
http://www.google.com/advanced_search
Advanced search allows you to refine your search e.g.
`all of these words’
`this exact word or phrase’
`any of these words’
`none of these words’
And further by language, country and time.
The exact word or phrase section could be useful in
checking potential plagiarized text.
Google has further advice on searching in other pages
Google search operators
Punctuation and symbols in search
Google alerts
What about a regular search? You can set up Google to
send you the results of a set of search terms on a regular
basis with Google Alerts http://www.google.co.uk/alerts
Your alerts are sent by email. You can amend your searches
over time and have them sent as often as you prefer. You
can customize them until they bring you the information
you need. You can also delete when no longer needed.
Internet tips