CACHE News and Press Releases

For all news and press releases related to the Council for Awards in Childrens Education

VQ day celebrates 11% increase in award of vocational qualifications - 24/06/2009

Over 3.6 million vocational qualifications were awarded last year according to figures released by independent education foundation Edge to celebrate VQ Day (Vocational Qualifications Day).
The figures show an increase of 350,000 in the number of vocational qualifications awarded, up 11 per cent on the previous year.

VQ day was launched in 2008 to celebrate the achievements of the millions of people who choose vocational qualifications as a pathway to further study, increased skills and greater employment opportunities. The event took place on 24th June 2009, and was celebrated by people and organisations across the UK. News and photos should be added to the VQ day website soon.

The review by Edge also identified that vocational qualifications are increasingly being recognised as university entry qualifications in the UCAS points system. About 50 per cent of people with vocational qualifications progress to higher education and six of the top ten subject areas in higher education are vocationally related. The CACHE Level 3 Award/ Certificate Diploma in Child Care and Education carries UCAS points, and is highly regarded as a suitable entry route into a number of degree courses. If you would like more information on UCAS points for this qualification click here for the UCAS Calculator and here for the grading matrix.

At CACHE, we are very proud of our vocational qualifications and are pleased that so many learners choose them as stepping stones to success. We were delighted to show our support to VQ day this year and believe that celebrating Learner achievement is a great way to raise the status of practical and vocational qualifications.

National Childminding Week, 13th -20th June 2009

National Childminding week provides an annual opportunity to celebrate childminding and the valuable contribution childminders and nannies make to family life.

This year, the theme is "home from home", highlighting how beneficial home-based childcare is for babies and children. During National Childminding Week, NCMA members will be spreading the word to parents and parents-to-be about the benefits of home-based childcare.

If you are planning to host events or have any interesting stories to share during National Childminding Week, do send them to NCMA who are planning to publish a selection of them in their membership magazine, Who Minds? Just email them to whominds@ncma.org.uk before Monday 29 June. If you are an NCMA member and receive a copy of this magazine, look out for more information on National Childminding Week in the June/July issue.

For more details about the week, including a promotional poster to download, go to www.ncma.org.uk/ncmw

Statement Regarding Swine Flu

Please see below a statement from Ofqual on examination contingency planning in the event that swine flu causes disruption to the examination system.

'Ofqual, awarding bodies, regulators in Wales and Northern Ireland, QCA, UCAS, higher education institutions and government in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have worked together to ensure that contingency plans are in place in the event of disruption to the test and examination system. Schools and colleges will be made aware of the appropriate contingency plans if they need to take any action with regard to examinations.

'Currently, all organisations involved are reviewing their own specific contingency plans, as well as the existing centrally co-ordinated contingency plan, to ensure that they are ready to implement them if necessary and establish a consistent approach. We would encourage students who will be taking their examinations in the next few months to continue to study as normal for their examinations.

CACHE has a contingency plan in place which will ensure that no candidate is disadvantaged. Each specific case will be reviewed and dealt with individually. We will ensure that any decisions taken are evidence based and that standards are not undermined. In the first instance, centres should contact CACHE customer support team on 0845 3472123, each case will be reviewed by the Assessment Manager and a decision will be made relevant to each case.

Further information can be found on the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) website and in their Pandemic Guidance documents.

Fully funded Playwork training available at Level 3 until March 2010

SkillsActive is working with the Children's Workforce Development Council and Train to Gain to fulfil the government's commitment for 4,000 new playworkers qualified to Level 3 by 2010.

The criterion for qualifying has recently been lifted so that any playworker is now entitled to take the Level 3 NVQ in Playwork (which is being funded by Train to Gain) and the Transitional Module from Early Years to Playwork (which is being funded by CWDC). This offer has recently been extended to at least March 2010 which is very positive news for the sector.

CACHE offers both of these qualifications, and would encourage Learners and Centres to register their details with Skills Active as soon as possible to take advantage of this opportunity. Approvals will be given on a first come first served basis.

Click here to visit the SkillsActive website to register your details

CACHE appears as sponsor at Nursery Management Today Awards

Press Release: November 2008

CACHE were delighted to attend the sixth annual Nursery Management Today (NMT) Awards, hailed as the most successful yet with a record breaking number of guests gathering to recognise achievement and professionalism across the nursery sector.

Former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq hosted the evening and was joined by CACHE Chief Executive Richard Dorrance to present Sue Overton with the prestigious ‘Nursery Training and Development Award’, which CACHE were proud to sponsor. In addition, CACHE hosted its own table at the lively event and invited guests from Centres, and also business partners to join the Senior Management Team for a champagne reception, dinner and dance.

Richard Dorrance, CACHE Chief Executive Officer, said: “As well as our support through sponsorship, we were also involved in the judging panel for another award. This gave us a great insight into the achievements of individuals and businesses across both categories, and we were proud to be closely involved in such an esteemed event.”