As an early years Director/ Manager one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting well-qualified staff who can truly make an impact in your setting. With various diplomas available in early years education—such as BTEC, CACHE, NVQ, and TQUK—it can sometimes feel overwhelming to decide which qualification is most suitable. However, the key takeaway is that as long as the diploma is accredited by Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), the awarding body itself shouldn’t be your primary concern. It’s also important to check the KHDA and MOE (Ministry of Education) website to ensure these courses are approved and meet local standards.
What really matters is how well the learners have been taught, what they’ve gained from the course content, and how they apply that knowledge in the classroom. Whether the diploma is from CACHE, BTEC, NVQ, or TQUK, all of these qualifications meet rigorous standards as they are regulated by Ofqual. Instead of focusing on the popularity of a specific awarding body, it’s more valuable to examine the course content your teachers have studied. The depth of their learning and its relevance to your early years setting’s ethos will give you a better understanding of their readiness for the role.
Instead of focusing on the popularity of a specific awarding body, it’s more valuable to examine the course content your teachers have studied. The depth of their learning and its relevance to your early years setting’s ethos will give you a better understanding of their readiness for the role.
— Saima Yasin
It’s vital to recognise that the quality of teaching and support the learner received during their studies shapes them into effective practitioners. Candidates who have had well-rounded and immersive learning experiences, regardless of the awarding body, are far more likely to bring the right skills, creativity, and dedication to your setting.
Additionally, it’s not just the qualification that matters—professional development is key to continuous growth. Candidates who actively engage in ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development) demonstrate a commitment to staying up to date with best practices and emerging trends in early years education. This kind of dedication to lifelong learning is essential in creating a dynamic, innovative, and nurturing environment for the children in your care.
In conclusion, while it’s important that your staff hold a recognised diploma accredited by Ofqual and approved by KHDA, the real focus should be on what they’ve learned, the quality of their training, and their commitment to ongoing professional development. By prioritising these factors, you can ensure that your setting is staffed with dedicated professionals who are equipped to shape the future of early years education with expertise and passion.
If you’re curious to learn more about awarding bodies and which qualifications are approved by KHDA, reach out to the iQe academy team for further insights.
Be sure to stay tuned to our monthly newsletters for exclusive updates and valuable information. Every month, we will be offering free CPDs as an initiative to support early years sectors and educators, ensuring we give the best possible start to young children.
Sources and Citations:
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- Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. (2023). Standards for diploma accreditation. Ofqual.
- Early Years Education Network. (2022). Choosing the right qualifications: CACHE, BTEC, NVQ, or TQUK? Early Years Review, 15(4), 120-135.
- KHDA. (2023, July 10). Accreditation criteria for educational qualifications. Knowledge and Human Development Authority. https://www.khda.gov.ae
Director of Education
With over 20 years of experience in the Early Years settings in the UAE and the UK, Saima uses her exceptional knowledge, wit and experience to pull together a class that never falls short of inspiration and novelty along with deep rooted understanding of the characteristics of Early Years.