childcare apprenticeships - general info needed

[TeenAndTween]

I posted this in chat and got a few replies, but maybe better here?

My DD is finishing a 2 year Level3 (A level equivalent) BTEC in college in the summer. She also has 8 GCSEs B/C grade including English & Maths.

One option for her next would be to gain an extra childcare qualification, as it would go well with her BTEC and would give her flexibility going forwards. She wouldn't want to do this at college, so would be looking at an Apprenticeship. It seems she could do a level2 in 1 year, or a level3 in 2 years. Or could she do Level3 faster? It also seems she could do one that doesn't include days in a college?

If she decides it is something she wants to pursue, what do we need to look for?
How can we ensure she is getting good training and not just being used as an extra pair of put-upon hands?
How much paperwork / essay writing would she have to do for the qualification?
Would there be extra work on top of a full working week? If she 'only' got a Level2 qualification would that be of any use?
Is one type of qualification better than another?

I've done a bit of searching but I can find rules but no practical insider details (a bit like when we researched BTECs really)

[catslife]

I think it depends on what age group children she would like to work with. Child-care qualifications are for working with children from 0-5 years. if she would prefer to work with slightly older children, it may be more useful to study for a level 2 teaching assistant qualification.
Level 2 courses are usually aimed at pupils who don't have 5 GCSEs at grades C or above so she may find it too easy.
I know she doesn't want college based, but a foundation degree in early years could be an option that would add on well to her BTEC and is only a 1 year course.

[insancerre]

She will need to do level 2 first to get the experience before then doing level 3
Level 2 in itself is not worth doing as there are restrictions on how many level 2s a setting may have
There are many providers who dont require any days at college, such as learn direct
The level 2 is very easy and wouldn't be too taxing if she has a btech already
Our apprentices are employed for 37 1/2 hours a week and assignments are expected to be completed in their own time
A foundation degree is not really an option as they are not classed as a relevant qualification to work in early years without a level 3