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Welcome to PATA

PATA´s reputation as an excellent source of support and information for childcare from birth to teens, is built on more than 20 years' experience and expertise.

Our work throughout Gloucestershire plays a major part in sustaining local communities, contributing to the welfare of children and their families.

PATA membership benefits are available to all members in the voluntary, private and maintained sectors, including toddler groups, playgroups, day nurseries, crèches, children´s centres, out of school clubs and holiday play schemes.

PATA´s dedicated and professional range of support services are also available nationally, through membership and under contracts, for the benefit of childcare settings throughout the country.

Professional Development Workshop for Playworkers

CHILDREN'S RIGHTS - Monday 20 February 7:00-9:00pm at PATA. Details see page 4 here, booking form.


National Qualifications (QCF) available with PATA

Free and subsidised places available, funded by GCC Early Years Commissioning Team:

L2 Certificate in Children & Young People's Workforce - FREE - course starts early March, Tuesday daytime at PATA. 

L2 Diploma in Playwork - FREE - course starts early March, Thursday evening at PATA.   

L3 Diploma in Playwork - £290 - course starts early March, Thursday evening at PATA. 

Eligibility criteria apply: applicants must be aged 19 or over and not eligible for national funding (apprenticeships), and must have a contract of employment in a Gloucestershire registered childcare setting.  To apply complete the initial application form here and email to atc@pataglos.org.uk by 1 February.  Full applications, interviews and enrolment to be complete by February half term.

Enquiries invited here for courses enrolling/starting late summer 2012:

L2 & L3 Teaching Assistant qualifications

L2 & L3 Children & Young People

L2 & L3 Playwork

L4 Children's care, Learning & Development

L4 Higher Professional Diploma in Early Years

Apprenticeships - due to changes in funding and eligibilities, new information will be posted shortly.  Employers interested in taking on an apprentice, please email atc@pataglos.org.uk for further information.

For update on all National Qualifications see pages 17 - 22 in the Spring 2012 Training Programme, here.  

Previous qualifications - for information about full and relevant qualifications see CWDC website, click here.   

Professional development opportunities - part qualifications (single units from the full QCF qualifications) are available to individuals and groups of learners - particularly suitable for staff teams, email atc@pataglos.org.uk

Spring 2012 Training Programme

For our Spring 2012 training programme, click here

Artemis, Children's Workforce Induction Programme

PATA is delivering this programme on behalf of the Gloucestershire Children's Partnership. It has been developed by, and for, members of the children's workforce.  It is a high quality e-learning package based on the seven induction standards developed by the Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC). More details here.