Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the effect of the recent change in entry requirements to NVQ Level 3 Childcare on the recruitment of childcare apprentices.

In July the government announced that trainees wishing to undertake Early Years Educator qualifications, either through an apprenticeship or a standalone course, would be able to study for their GCSE English and Maths alongside their childcare training, rather than being required to hold them on entry to their level 3 course.

By increasing access to both apprenticeships and standalone courses, individuals will have greater choice and will be able to take up a course that suits their personal circumstances. The changes have been welcomed by the childcare sector, including membership organisations that represent both childcare businesses and individuals who work in childcare. The expected outcome is that a greater number of trainees will be able to access training and subsequently employment in the childcare sector.