Among other things the qualifications authority is suggesting that people should be vetted for their suitability to work with children before they start training - part of the effort to weed out potential abusers.

The framework setting out what qualifications and training are appropriate to different job roles in early years education, childcare and playwork has been drawn up by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) as part of the government's overall drive to improve the provision of childcare in England. Similar proposals for the rest of the UK are expected to follow.

One idea is that there should be an orientation programme for those new to childcare, which would give entrants a 'taster' of the work and provide an initial assessment of their suitability.

Criminal checks

At present, the QCA says, it is the responsibility of employers to undertake the necessary checks on prospective employees, including checks for previous criminal convictions. Moving this to a pre-training check, it says, would help minimise the risk of unsuitable trainees coming into contact with children via work experience programmes.

The framework identifies seven occupational areas from early years care and education to sport and recreation, and job roles within those areas.

It shows which qualifications are associated with those job roles, and how existing training can lead to those qualifications - concentrating on National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) modules.

It would allow people employing a nanny, for example, to see how applicants' qualifications compare with those that are available.

There are currently numerous qualifications across the field as a whole - the consultation document lists dozens without saying necessarily that they are suitable or indeed unsuitable for inclusion in the new framework.

Jobs in schools

"It is perhaps not surprising," says the consultation document, "that employers and clients throughout the country have different and often inconsistent perceptions of the qualifications needed for work in this area."

In schools, for instance, there is no clear policy on what qualifications are most appropriate for people working as Lunchtime assistants, out-of-school child assistants, parent volunteers, playbus helpers or study support workers.

Other jobs include pre-school workers, nursery nurses, holiday playscheme workers, childminders, scout and guide leaders, leisure centre attendants and foster care workers.

Launching the consultation, the QCA's Chief Executive, Nick Tate, said it was a significant step towards improving childcare provision.

"By seeking to establish clear routes of progression within and between job areas, the framework aims to promote professional competence and career development among the childcare profession," he said.

'Challenging'

The Minister for Employment and Equal Opportunities, Margaret Hodge, said children deserved good quality care and education and it takes skilled, competent people to provide it.

"That is why we need a clear and recognised national framework for qualifications and training for early years education, childcare and playwork, setting out the skills and standards required," she said.

"For the first time this framework will provide a comprehensive 'climbing frame' making clear what qualifications people should aim for if they want a career working with children - and what training will get them there.

"This is a key part of our childcare strategy; enabling people to develop the skills they need to deliver the quality childcare services we all want, and offering challenging, satisfying careers across a wide range of jobs."

The consultation runs until 15 January, with the hope of putting the framework in place by next July. Consultation packs and questionnaires are being sent to employers, early years partnerships, local authorities and other interested organisations.

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