NVQ 3 finished - what next?

[Gail the Snail]

I have finished my NVQ 3 and am keen to progress but am a little confused about the next step. I work in a pre-school as a practioner and am led to believe that the NVQ 4 is being phased out, is this correct? Does that mean the next step is the foundation degree? I have also been told only 1 person in the setting is allowed to do this at a time and someone has just started it. It seems such a shame to stop my learning here as i feel i have more to give and more to learn. I have a degree in another field so feel i have the capabilities to continue my learning at this level. And then theres the question of funding? If anyone has any advice or could shed some light on relevant qualifications etc it would be much appreciated. Thankyou