Early years workers from throughout the North West will have the chance to learn more about a pioneering new programme, being offered by CETAD, Lancaster University next Tuesday, 4 November.

Early Years Professional Status will give nursery workers the opportunity to achieve the national ‘gold standard’ in early years childcare to become Early Years Professionals – and give local children a strong start in their development.

When they complete training Early Years Professionals will be equipped with the expertise, skills and confidence to nurture and develop children in the crucial first five years of their life.

Supported by the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC), this new status is the first step in a Government drive to transform the early years workforce, with a target of employing one Early Years Professional in every child care setting by 2015.

Next Tuesday, 4 November, those interested in Early Years Professional Status can attend a CETAD Open Day held at Lancaster University. There will be representatives from CETAD, Lancaster University as well as a number of Early Years Professionals who have been awarded the status on hand to answer potential candidates’ questions.

Early Years Professionals have the opportunity to work in a range of facilities across Lancashire including nurseries, pre-schools and daycare centres. They will have demonstrated that they meet a rigorous set of graduate-level standards and will lead development and learning during the important early years.

Tricia Kenny from CETAD, Lancaster University said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer graduates the opportunity to gain Early Years Professional Status.”

• If you are interested in achieving Early Years Professional Status you can find out more at www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/futures or call 0800 996600. The event will take place at CETAD, Lancaster University on Tuesday 4 November 2:00pm – 7:00pm. For further information please contact Tricia Kenny on 01524 593 318 or e-mail t.kenny@lancaster.ac.uk.