Early learning and childcare: induction resource

Qualification Routes

An overview of the different routes to achieving the qualifications for ELC professionals is provided below, but more detail is available on the relevant section of the SSSC careers website, where you can click on each of the routes and find out more about course content, teaching methods, entry requirements and the relative benefits of each route.

Image: The SSSC careers website has an interactive careers pathway tool, accessible from a range of internet devices.

Each of the qualifications have been developed to reflect the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for working in Social Service (Children and Young People). The NOS describe the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to do a particular job to a nationally recognised level of competence. The NOS have been developed by employers, people who use services and other key stakeholders to define the key functions in a job role. They are benchmarks of good practice required in the social service sector and are used across the UK. This means that regardless of which route you take to achieving each of the benchmark levels, the same core skills and learning will be developed. Qualifications may be available as full time, part time or through open learning.

You may have experiences and learning which might be built upon to support you in your learning journey. Your preferred learning provider will be able to help you determine if your experiences and learning, formal or informal, or if any existing indirect qualifications, may be considered through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and contribute towards achieving your ELC qualification.