Do you agree that Government should reinstate Functional Skills as an alternative to GCSE English and Maths?
Many people are arguing that Government should reinstate functional skills as an alternative to GCSE’s for English and Maths for level 3 practitioners. Back in 2014 government made the decision that all level 3 Early Years Educators must have a grade C or above in English and Maths to count in ratios. Before the decision was made functional skills was accepted by employees as an equivalent.
The change in requirement has led to concerns in recruitment, leaving many nurseries struggling to recruit new employees. The recruitment crisis has had an impact on many childcare providers.
Would the move in reinstating functional skills as an alternative to GCSE’s for English and Maths be a good move or not?
Finding quality practitioners is a high priority for childcare providers and the requirement for having GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths is causing a barrier. Reinstating functional skills as an equivalent will enable childcare providers to employee qualified practitioners who do not have grade GCSE C or above in English and Maths.
In order to provide high-quality teaching and learning should practitioners have GCSE’s grade C or above in English and Maths as well as a childcare qualification?. By being consistent across the sector, this would hopefully see an improvement in educational standards, creating a better-qualified workforce.
I am very annoyed that I have worked really hard to get my level 3 in child care but unfortunately i was unable to achieve a C grade in Maths and English so I have a level 3 diploma that Is worthless and I won’t be able to carry on with the job i love. I believe that functional skills should be brought back for the qualification. But the government doesn’t seem to care about the problem’s they are causing or about ruining people’s careers.
I’ve worked in childcare since 2005 I’ve had my nvq level 2 for good few years, am 54 now & got grown up children of my own & grandchildren. When ofstead came into the nursery at worked at for many years till it closed down gave a good report about me how well I did with the children & patents, but when I went for a new job which I have now at a nursery been told I need level 3 but before this I will need to do my maths & English which I find very annoying as when I started my level 3 2 months before nursery closed down I didn’t need it. The thing is I know I may struggle with doing my maths which is such a shame bec I’ve worked over the years & do a fantastic job & ive seen some people what have this level 3 & there not as good around everyday aspects of doing things with the children. It upsets me if I can’t do my maths & English because I could be out of job when all I ever want to do is work with children.
I am 28 years old. I sat my GCSE’s over 12 years ago. I currently hold a GCSE grade C in English & english literature. Unfortunately at the age of 16 i did not achieve A-C in maths.
I did however complete functional skills more recently (3 years ago). Which are irrelevant.
I have applied for the Early years workforce (educator) level 3.
Current guidelines state that i have to also apply for GCSE maths as a condition of applying for the early years educator course. Which i will have to complete with an achievement of A-C GCSE.
In all honesty i feel that 12 years ago had i have acheived A-C it was so long ago that i could not recall what i studied. So i feel is irrelevant.
I feel that taking on 2 courses will be a lot of work but i must achieve if i want to proceed to persue a career in early years.
I have considered withdrawing my application, however i will try and do my best to apply myself to the courses and hope to achieve the expected grade.