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Going for gold

The DCE has been hailed as the gold standard of childcare education, but is it at risk of losing its lustre? Mary Evans reports The two-year Diploma in Childcare and Education is often hailed as the gold standard of childcare qualifications, but even though more students are enrolling on DCE courses this term, some observers wonder if they really are on to a winner.

The two-year Diploma in Childcare and Education is often hailed as the gold standard of childcare qualifications, but even though more students are enrolling on DCE courses this term, some observers wonder if they really are on to a winner.

Dr Richard Dorrance, chief executive of CACHE, the awarding body for the qualification, insists that they are. 'The DCE is the gold standard training course for people who want to work in any childcare setting. The diploma is going to be around for many years and will enable people to work in any setting.

'There is a common core for everyone working in children's services, with options that are setting specific. The idea is that if people change setting they wouldn't have to do the common core again. The DCE will reflect the new occupational standards. It will reflect the changes in the job role.'

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