Reasons to Upskill to a Level 7 Early Years Degree in Ireland

Upskilling to a level 7 Early Childhood Care and Eduaction/Early Years degree (an Ordinary Bachelor’s degree on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications) is a practical, professionally valuable step for anyone working in childcare, naíonraí, crèches or school-age services.

Portobello Institute has been a leading provider of early years education in Ireland for 45 years. We work closely with the sector to understand what needs practitioners have and how we can support upskilling.

In this blog, we explore the key reasons why now is a smart time to consider a level 7 award and what it can mean for your work, the children in your care, and your longer-term career prospects.

1. BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care and Education  Level 7 degree is a recognised, regulated qualification for the sector

A level 7 Ordinary degree in Early Childhood or Early Childhood Education and Care sits on Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Our degree is awarded by University of Essex and is a recognised higher-education award with clear learning outcomes and transferability across employers and education providers. The NFQ description helps employers and regulators understand the knowledge, skills and responsibility associated with the award. 

The Department (DCEDIY) also maintains an approved list of early-years qualifications that meet regulatory and funding requirements; many level 7 programmes are explicitly listed or may be recognised through the department’s recognition process. This is important because staff qualifications are referenced in both regulation and funding arrangements. You can see Portobello Institute's courses on the DCEDIY list here.

2. It helps services meet Tusla regulations and inspection expectations

Tusla’s Early Years Inspectorate enforces the Child Care Act and associated Early Years Services Regulations. Those regulations set minimum qualification requirements for staff and expect services to be able to demonstrate appropriate, up-to-date qualifications in the compliance file. A level 7 degree strengthens compliance for lead educator and management roles and will be noticed during inspections and pre-registration checks. 

3. There’s a clear funding and incentive pathway (Graduate premiums/Learner Fund)

State supports already incentivise graduate participation in the sector. The Department’s Core Funding includes Graduate Lead/Manager premium arrangements and other top-ups that recognise graduate-led provision; these can affect how a service is funded and how staff are remunerated or deployed within sessions. In addition, the Learner Fund (administered by Pobal) offers bursaries (including graduate bursaries) to support people training for recognised early-years qualifications at Level 7 or above. These supports reduce the financial friction of upskilling and make the investment more realistic. 

4. Improved earnings potential and labour-market advantage

Irish data consistently show better earnings outcomes for people with higher qualifications. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) analysis of earnings and the Structure of Earnings Survey show a positive relationship between educational attainment and median hourly/weekly earnings — graduates (post-secondary qualifications) tend to sit above lower-qualified groups. While exact pay depends on employer, location and role, holding a recognised graduate qualification makes you eligible for graduate premiums, senior practitioner roles, management positions and other roles outside of working directly in a setting with children (mentoring, quality support, community programmes) — all of which typically carry higher pay. 

5. Faster routes into leadership, management and specialist roles

A level 7 degree prepares you for formal leadership roles such as Lead Educator, Graduate Lead, room leader or centre manager. Many employers now expect or prefer graduates for senior posts; the sector’s quality supports (for example, Better Start/Early Years Specialist roles and other mentoring programmes) also often require or prefer graduates. This degree level gives you the practice-based knowledge and the theoretical understanding to lead curriculum planning (Aistear), implement Síolta quality standards and coordinate inclusive practice. 

6. Better outcomes for children and stronger practice

Level 7 programmes are designed to combine theory, applied practice and placement hours. Graduates report improved knowledge of child development, curriculum (Aistear), inclusive practice (including the Access & Inclusion Model) and assessment for learning. That higher level of understanding supports improved learning environments, stronger adult–child interactions, and more confident, evidence-informed pedagogical choices — all of which benefit children’s learning and wellbeing. Tusla and sector quality guidance explicitly emphasise curriculum and evidence-informed practice as core quality markers. 

Read what our students say here.

7. Clear progression routes for further study

A level 7 award is not a dead end. NFQ pathways are designed for progression: holders of level 7 awards can move on to level 8 honours degrees (top-up routes exist with just one additional year taking you to a full honours degree) or take postgraduate diplomas and master’s routes later in their careers. If you are planning long-term professional development (specialist practice, research, policy work, or teaching), level 7 provides a stable platform.

8. Recognition of the work you already do - and a pathway to professional identity

Many people in early years are already doing a great deal of skilled, professional work. A level 7 degree recognises that practice and formalises it with evidence of learning, placements and assessment. For existing staff, many level 7 programmes are offered part-time, blended or with recognition of prior learning (RPL) so you can build on your experience while continuing to work. That recognition supports confidence, professional identity and clearer role descriptions within services. 

9. Wider career options beyond the classroom

A graduate qualification opens employment pathways beyond day-to-day care: quality improvement and advisory roles; family-support programmes; speech, language and inclusion support (often with additional qualifications); policy and advocacy posts in national or local organisations; and positions in early-years research or teacher education. Employers (public, voluntary and private) increasingly look for demonstrable graduate skills when hiring for such roles.

A level 7 Early Years degree is more than a certificate: it’s a recognised professional credential that helps services meet regulatory expectations, unlocks funding and career pathways, improves practice for children, and strengthens your position in a demanding labour market.

For those already working in early years, it formally recognises the complex, skilful work you do every day - and gives you options to lead, specialise and shape the future of the sector.

If you're interested in studying at Portobello Institute, visit our early years faculty and get in touch today.