Latest news : New early years scheme

A new programme seeking to develop graduate leaders for the early years sector has been given the go ahead by the government.

The New Leaders in Early Years programme is being launched by the Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) in conjunction with Canterbury Christ Church University.

The university is recruiting 30 high-calibre graduates with at least a 2.1 honours degree, to begin the new postgraduate programme in November. A further 30 graduates will be recruited in autumn 2011.

Discussing the programme, Children's Minister Sarah Teather said, ‘New Leaders in Early Years is a fantastic new programme designed to encourage the very best graduates to sign up to be leaders in the Early Years sector. The programme will help to raise the profile and status of those working with young children - which is crucial to giving every child the opportunity and confidence to grow and achieve in life.’

New Leaders in Early Years is a funded two-year programme leading to Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) and an Early Years Masters degree. Participants in the scheme will also have the opportunity to work in the sector and gain vital on-the-job experience.

Thom Crabbe, National Manager for Early Years at CWDC, said, ‘High-quality early years provision requires talented, committed practitioners at all levels working with our youngest children. We hope the programme will introduce new entrants who will go on to become first-class leaders in the sector in the future.’

Tuition fees for the MA and EYPS training are covered as part of the programme. In addition participants will receive a bursary of £8,000 in the first year. In the second year participants working while completing their Masters and receive a wage of around £17,000.

Further information, including details for potential applicants is available is available at New Leaders in Early Years.