I have been volunteering at my local pre-school and I am interested in doing some further training. Can you help?

You have two options, the Certificate in Pre-school Practice (CPP) or the Diploma in Pre-school Practice (DPP). The CPP is a CACHE Level 2 qualification and is ideal for anyone who is keen to work as an assistant in an early years setting. On completion you would count as part of the qualified ratio of staff. The course duration is 180 taught hours. You would also need to ensure that you are able to work in an early years setting for at least 150 hours while studying.

Your other option is the Diploma is Pre-school Practice (DPP). The DPP is a CACHE Level 3 qualification. On completion, the qualification would enable you to work at a supervisory level in an early years setting as leader, manager or deputy. It's possible that, in some settings, you will need some post qualification experience too. The DPP runs over 240 taught hours and covers both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to organise and administer a pre-school. You would also need to ensure that you are able to work in an early years setting for at least 150 hours while studying.

The CPP and DPP courses are run at centres and colleges countrywide and are often funded by bursaries from the local Early Years Services or Children's Trust. Many employers also fund these courses and allow day release to attend college.

Please see our continuing professional development page for more information.

If you would like further information on this topic, please contact your nearest divisional centre.

Last updated: 20/08/2008