In September 2002, Early Years Childcare was awarded funding from the European Union's Leonardo Programme, which helped to develop a training project: TEECHE (Training for Early Years Childcare and Education in Europe) with partners from the UK, Austria and the Netherlands. As a result of this work a new pan-European qualification has developed.

The European Childcare Qualification is an holistic, innovative, vocational early years training course. It balances theory and practical skills in childcare and education, and incorporates reflective learning.

This exciting course will improve the skills and competencies of childcare practitioners by providing high quality, work-linked training and education. The training material is user friendly for both trainers and learners. It has been designed to be delivered by experienced childcare professionals who have knowledge of young children (0 -7 years Foundation Level).

With increasing movement of people within the EU, the ECQ training material will offer consistency in childcare standards across Europe and make the transfer of skills easier.

The ECQ training material includes:

• Trainer file with teaching plans, trainer notes, resources lists, worksheets and handouts
• Learner file with workshop programmes, worksheets, tasks and handouts
• Workshop Logbook encouraging the learner to reflect on the workshop attended and how their practice might change after the training.

For further information please contact: