Register now for a place on one of our September EYPS 2008 pathways in the South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber Regions.

You may find our frequently asked questions (general or specifically for childminders), qualifications guidance or funding summary helpful.

Summarised below are the key points of each pathway and links to relevant case studies:

Validation pathway: 6.5 days preparation and assessment over four months - for candidates who are working at the level of all the standards
Short Extended Professional Development (EPD) pathway: part-time over six months
Long EPD pathway: part-time top-up over fifteen months for those with a Foundation degree
Full training pathway: full-time over twelve months

Early Years Professional Status (EYPS)

We are delighted to have Marion Dowling as our Programme Adviser for EYPS. Marion's expertise and inspiration is highly valued across the early years sector. She has written many influential publications, and is Vice President of the British Association for Early Childhood Education and has been consultant to the DfES, OFSTED, the Audit Commission and many local authorities. Marion works closely with our specialist early years tutors across our EYPS pathways.

Achieving EYPS

Best Practice Network was one of the 11 providers who piloted the Validation pathway for Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) in September 2006. We are now delivering all four pathways and welcome registrations from eligible candidates or settings wishing to offer placements to those working towards the status.

Candidates are assessed against all the EYPS Standards. The Standards are at Level 6 and set out expectations for professional leadership and personal practice. The assessment will focus on the practical application of these required attributes, skills and knowledge, for those working in different settings, and with babies, toddlers and young children.

"It has been an excellent, stimulating programme,very well run, and I have really appreciated the opportunity to meet other professionals and consider how we work"

Best Practice Network programmes are modular, delivered through groupwork, individual study and work-based learning. They are facilitated by experienced trainers who establish a supportive learning environment and build participants' confidence. Feedback from our first phase delivery has been very positive:

"I am much more confident in my work and feel energised by the way in which my day to day role has been clarified in terms of skills that I have and use"

Registration form and further information

To find out more about the location of EYPS pathways available through Best Practice Network, please download our leaflet or email eyps@bestpracticenet.co.uk. You may also find the following useful:

Registered candidates can access training and support materials relevant to their pathway, including the templates required for completion of EYPS tasks by visiting www.bestpracticenet.info

Visit the Every Child Matters website for information on the Transformation Fund.

The CWDC website will provide you with the background to the Status, answer frequently asked questions and give you an insight into their Early Years Strategy.

Further links to Early Years websites.