Training for Early Years Education and Childcare in Europe

News

Pan-European Childcare Qualification Moves a Step Closer

A report into the pilot of a groundbreaking European Childcare Qualification has been published today.

Ten sites across the UK, Austria and the Netherlands trialled the foundation level module in Child Development as part of the TEECHE project (Training for Early Years Education and Childcare in Europe) initiated and developed by Hove based nursery provider Early Years Childcare.

TEECHE was launched in September 2002 with the aim to promote and develop the standard of childcare and the status of the industry across Europe, and has been co-funded by the EU's Leonardo Program.

The first module, created over two years, offers basic training in childcare and education for children aged 0 - 7. Comprising of an innovative mix of practical workshops, home assignments and a specially developed interactive website to help consolidate knowledge, the majority of feedback has been very positive.

Trainees in the UK unanimously recommended the course and in total 90% of all trainees recommended the course across the pilot sites. Student highlights included suggestions for child play; group work; discussions during the workshops and the use of online assessment at the website.

Project manager Beryl Carroll of Early Years Childcare comments "The pilot has been hugely useful in gauging opinion from both trainees and trainers, from varied childcare backgrounds in the UK, Austria and the Netherlands.

"Our goal is to create a qualification for our industry which is recognised throughout Europe and incorporates the best practice and teaching methods from across the continent.

"Suggestions from the pilot have already been incorporated into the scheme and we are meeting with educational bodies to discuss accreditation of the updated module."

For further information, visit www.teeche.com

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Notes to editors: For a full version of the pilot report, an interview with Beryl Carroll or images please contact Siobhan Meaker/Gerri McNally at Field McNally Leathes

Tel: 01273 834716
Email: Siobhan@fml-pr.co.uk

April 2005