Quality childcare provision supports children to develop, achieve and reach their potential through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). There are many varying routes to develop a professional career: with opportunities to study part time, full time or through work based learning to gain qualifications through local colleges and universities. Please note Milton Keynes City Council does not offer funding towards qualifications or training.
Pathways to progress your early years career
Information on possible early years career pathway progression routes.
Free courses for jobs - Government initiative
If you are aged 19, earn less than £25,000 or are unemployed, you could be eligible for free courses to obtain a level three qualification through a Government initiative which aims to help you improve your wage outcome, skills and job prospects.
Early Years Level 2 Qualification
NCFE Cache Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner.
"The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to 7 years of age with applied knowledge in the early years, 0-5 years. The qualification content meets the Department for Education’s (DfE) Level 2 full and relevant criteria for a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner in the workforce". (source Early Years Alliance website August 2024)
Early Years Level 3 Qualification
NCFE Cache Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator).
"This qualification requires learners to complete mandatory work/industry placement experience throughout the duration of the qualification. It is recommended that learners complete 350 placement hours whilst undertaking this qualification.
Learners must be in a position to become fully involved in all activities, particularly the observation of children. This qualification requires assessment in real working situations". (source Early Years Alliance website August 2024)
Community Learning Milton Keynes (CLMK) Free Training
CLMK offer free training in relation to functional skills, GCSE English and Maths, and Getting Ready for Working in Childcare.
Telephone 01908 252500 for more information.
Early Years Foundation and Undergraduate Degrees (Level 4, 5 and 6)
- For information on University of Bedfordshire Foundation Degrees (search Early Years)
- For information on University of Bedfordshire Undergraduate Degrees (search Early Years)
- For information on Northampton University courses (search Early Years)
- For information on Open University Courses (search Early Years)
Early Years Teacher Qualification/Primary Early Years PGCE
This is a graduate entry level programme, designed to raise quality provision across the early years workforce available at:
Disclaimer: Milton Keynes City Council accepts no responsibility for the actual content of any materials suggested as information sources in this publication, whether these are in the form of printed publications or on a website. Their use should not be interpreted as an endorsement of particular companies or their products.
The websites referred to in these materials existed at the time of going to print. Please check all website references carefully to see if they have changed and substitute other references where appropriate. Also, check that all signposted training (whether MKCC or independent) meets the needs of your setting.