STAFF working in Somerset's nurseries and children's centres could become leading lights in the field of childcare.

The South-West Initiative for Training, in which Somerset County Council is a key partner, is ready to help staff achieve the Early Years Professional Status.

Early Years Professionals will lead efforts to raise the quality of provision for the under fives, share good practice across the workforce and attract more people into working with children.

The Government aims to have an EYP in every children's centre by 2010 and in every full day care setting by 2015. This month SWIfT is holding a series of information evenings across Somerset for potential candidates to find out more about the courses. Taking place until May 31, they will be held in Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil, Frome and Minehead.

There are currently 23 candidates in Somerset working through the EYPS process and from September SWIfT will be offering four different training pathways leading to the status, all free of charge. These range from a three-month, part-time validation route for those with a relevant degree, to a long continuing professional development pathway, where candidates with a foundation degree can top-up to a full degree through a full-time 12-month course for non relevant degree holders with little or no experience of working with the under fives.

Anyone interested in attending an information evening or wanting an application pack can contact the SWIfT EYPS Project Team on 01823-349341 or e-mail eyps@somerset.gov.uk