NDNA stressed the importance of communicating the requirements for employers and individuals, as a significant number of nurseries will be affected.
NDNA chief executive Purnima Tanuku said, 'While we see this as a positive step in ensuring a higher level of skill and competency across the early years workforce, it is important that nurseries as employers receive adequate support. NDNA believes it is vital local authorities ensure that funding streams for any identified training are simple to access and do not have strenuous conditions attached.
'We welcome the forthcoming funding map for local authorities which will represent the funding streams available, and from this we would like to see them simplifying access to funding for employers to help them fulfil their requirements.'
The new list, now available online, will supersede the existing Early Years and Playwork Qualifications Database in September 2009.
Local authorities and employers have between now and that time to identify and plan to meet training needs arising from its introduction. Training and assessment to meet mandatory criteria should be complete by 2012.
By going to the link and using the Qualification Finder, practitioners can see whether their qualifications are still valid. If not, various options for additional accredited training are given. For example, in the case of the Level 3 NVQ for Teaching Assistants, a possible 'top up' option is the Level 3 Certificate in EYFS Practice.
Further information
www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/qualifications-list.