Choosing the Right Training Provider for Your Early Years Staff

A girl looking confused at the various training courses available

As an early years setting, it is important to provide your staff with high-quality training in order to ensure that the education and care provided to young children is of the highest standard. One of the key factors to consider when choosing a training provider is whether they are accredited or have a longstanding history of providing quality training.

Accreditation is a way of verifying that a provider meets certain standards and is able to offer high-quality training. This is especially important in the early years sector, where the quality of education and care can have a significant impact on children's development. By choosing an accredited provider, early years settings can be confident that they are getting the best possible training for their staff.

Who can I trust?

There are many different accreditation bodies that offer certification to providers of early years training. These organisations have strict criteria that providers must meet in order to be accredited, and they are widely recognised as leaders in the field of early childhood education. 

Some examples of accreditation bodies to look out for include:

Early Years Quality Assurance (EYQA accredited)

The CPD Certification Service

Other longstanding training providers include

Rachel Buckler Associates

Professional Association for Childcare and Early Year (PACEY)

National Day Nurseries Association

The “Wild West” of training

When choosing an accredited provider, it is usually important to check that the accreditation body is recognized by the relevant authorities. However, it currently appears that Ofsted do not offer a list of accredited training providers

We are currently awaiting a reply from Ofsted regarding this matter and we will update this article when we have a reply.

Picking a well known or accredited training provider can ensure that the training provided meets the necessary standards and is of the highest quality. It is also worth considering the specific training needs of your staff and selecting a provider that offers courses that are tailored to these needs.

Advertising in Facebook Groups?

Be very wary of those pushing their training “courses” in Facebook groups. They are often providing poorly constructed webinars and online training which can often leave trainees confused and conflicted in their knowledge.

Would you take advice from an Inadequate setting?

Ofsted Insider has seen examples of someone selling an expensive training course online to “Open a Childcare business in the UK”. In reality, the person running the course has received multiple Ofsted Inadequate ratings and from our research has never achieved a higher rating.

Online or face-to-face?

In addition to choosing an accredited provider, it is also important to consider the delivery methods of the training. Some providers offer online courses, which can be convenient for staff who are unable to attend in-person training sessions. Other providers offer a combination of online and in-person training, which can provide a more interactive and engaging learning experience. It is worth considering the needs and preferences of your staff when deciding on the delivery method of the training.

In conclusion, choosing the right provider for early years staff training is essential for ensuring that the education and care provided to young children is of the highest quality. By selecting an accredited provider and considering the delivery methods of the training, early years settings can provide their staff with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

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