Ofqual review finds new Level 3 childcare diploma learners lack experience

Learners studying for the new Level 3 childcare diploma need to undertake more work experience to meet the sector’s requirements, according to qualifications regulator Ofqual.

The new childcare diploma is due to replace previous provision as the only qualification accepted as evidence of occupational competence from the end of this year.

However, after Ofqual was brought in to review the diploma over concerns about its ability to meet the requirements of the sector, additional qualifications may be needed for less experienced learners.

According to its report, although the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce confers occupational competence, it is better suited to mature and experienced learners.

“The narrowing down of students’ choice to the single proposed qualification would leave young and less experienced learners without an appropriate option that would include sufficient work experience,” said Ofqual chief executive Isabel Nisbet.

“This would also not provide a route for progression to further and higher education. We have therefore made a series of recommendations which we feel will address these concerns.”

These recommendations include a call to awarding bodies to develop a larger two year qualification, which will be based on the new Level 3 diploma.

In order to allow sufficient time to develop further qualifications, the report adds that awarding bodies may need to request an extension of the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) support for legacy Level 3 provision.

Jason Rainbow

The full report can be found here on Ofqual’s website