Scottish qualification levels

Qualifications awarded in Scotland may show Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) levels rather than the qualification levels awarded in England.

You will need to find the English qualification level for the Scottish qualification to check it on the early years qualifications list (EYQL). The SCQF website has information that will help you compare qualification levels (opens in new tab).

If the qualification is not on the early years qualifications list (EYQL) the qualification cannot be considered full and relevant. However, the qualification holder can still work as an unqualified member of staff.

Experience-based route

The qualification holder may be able to gain status to work in the staff:child ratios at level 3 through the experience-based route (opens in new tab).

The experience-based route is a way for experienced early years practitioners to be able to count in the staff:child ratios at level 3. Eligibility criteria apply, including that the qualification must be relevant to the care or education of children.

Read more about how the experience-based route works (opens in new tab).