The Value of Early Years Qualifications: Quality, Skills & Progression

This project will investigate the core knowledge, skills, and values that early years qualifications (EYQs) should provide to ensure high-quality practice and improved outcomes for children. 

Why is this important?

Qualifications certify learning, assure quality, and signal value to employers and higher education. However, EYQs often fall short, with concerns about variability between different qualifications, rigour, and trust in quality. There is no agreed definition of what makes a high-quality qualification, nor of how such quality should be sustained at different levels and contexts. These issues are particularly urgent at two key progression points: entry to employment or higher education (Level 3); and graduate level (Level 6).  

What does it involve?

This lack of clarity undermines trust, constrains opportunities for learners and employers, and weakens the early years sector. This project will investigate: 

• What constitutes a high-quality qualification in terms of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and learner attributes, and how do stakeholders view its purposes? 

• How have UK and international frameworks conceptualised, implemented, and sustained quality EYQ and progression? 

• What are the implications for labour market responsiveness and regulatory quality assurance?  

The research will involve:   

• A comprehensive document review to map qualification frameworks and analyse regulatory structures across the UK and internationally.   

• Stakeholder engagement to identify gaps between what EYQs should do and what the currently constitute, and to generate a draft EYQs framework.   

• Workshops across the UK to test, refine, and validate the emerging framework with policymakers, providers, and other stakeholders.   

How will it make a difference?

Findings will be directly shared with key stakeholders, including policymakers, awarding bodies, training providers, employers, and learners. The framework will be used to generate nation-specific policy recommendations for each qualification level and make practical recommendations for qualification reform and implementation. Policy briefings will be tailored to each UK nation and seminar series and policy roundtables will foster dialogue between stakeholders.