2010-11 application outcomes

We are currently moderating NPQICL applications and are hoping to be able to let applicants know their outcomes by the end of June. We will update this page when the offer letters have been sent out with advice on what to do next.

The CREC Consortium is the regional provider of NPQICL in the West Midlands, having been awarded a contract by the National College for School Leadership from September 2008. The 'Consortium', comprising the Centre for Research in Early Childhood, St Thomas Children's Centre and Birmingham City University is proud to be chosen to train the next generation of leaders of Children's Centres.

The fourteen West Midlands Local Authorities include Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Herefordshire, Telford and Wrekin, Sandwell, Shropshire, Solihull, Staffordshire, Stoke on Trent, Walsall, Warwickshire, Wolverhampton and  Worcestershire. It may be possible in certain circumstances to study at CREC if you work outside this region but you must make a case in your online application to the NCSL. CREC is located in the St Thomas Children's Centre in central Birmingham, 10 minutes walk from New Street Station. Details of how to find us can be found on our website.

NPQICL is a national programme that addresses the needs of leaders within multi-agency, early years settings. It is the equivalent of the NPQH, the professional qualification for Head Teachers. Children's Centre leaders come from many professional backgrounds and the course is designed to build on that rich and varied experience.

The NPQICL is open to leaders within DCFS-designated Sure Start Children's Centres and seeks to provide them with the opportunity to create an ethos of community partnership working by co-ordinating high quality services for children and families. The NPQICL is a professional qualification with an emphasis on practical work-based experience, but it is also an academic qualification. Successful participants will receive 60 CAT points at Master's level from Birmingham City University and many participants go on to complete an MA. BCU and CREC encourage participants to obtain additional modules which may include setting-based research. To be eligible for NPQICL, you will need to have a first degree OR to demonstrate the potential for study at this level by completing an online test for 'graduateness'. Support is available for those who are returning to studying after a long absence.

Programme Features

NPQICL will be delivered at CREC over 12 days between Sept 2010 - July 2011. The Programme offers:

• The opportunity to work with highly experienced and esteemed facilitators and tutors;
  
• The experience of working with peers from a range of fields;
  
• A blended approach to deliver: Face-to-face learning, collaborative reflection and online resources and support;
• Access to a personal mentor;
  
• A forum for reflection, dialogue, discussion and research.
  

Cost

Participants will have their programme and academic fees paid by National College. You must have written permission from your line manager to undertake the NPQICL.

 Information Sessions

 We will be holding two information sessions here at CREC on 14th and 26th January from 4pm-6pm. This will be an opportunity for you to meet the tutors ask questions and meet some of the past participants who will talk to you about the programme and what it has meant to them.

Applications open on line from Feb 1st and you are advised to register your interest as soon as possible. You don’t need to complete the whole application in one session; you can save what you have completed and add to it in your own time. You need to apply via the National College website. If you need any help with your application or have questions about eligibility, course content etc., please contact the Programme Manager, Carol Nelson ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) on 0121 464 0025.

For more information, enquiries or questions, email: 

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Watch 2009 Facilitators 'PROUDLY' celebrate participants' success.