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Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Am I wasting my money and her time? Advice appreciated

33 replies

Checkmate · 24/05/2011 12:14

I've short listed the nannies who've applied to work for me. One of them is young and inexperienced, however is organised and has recently done some day courses (such as first aid), organised nanny insurance, got herself ofsted registered, and I really like her. Great references from her babysitting work too.

I've told her that if we offer her the job, we would like her to some actual childcare training (probably a correspondence course to fit around the hours we need her). We would pay for this, but she would be on a lower hourly rate and called a mothers help, until she completes the training. The job for us is 30 hours per week and initially not much sole charge (as I'll be on maternity leave) so this seems to be an ideal situation for us and her.

The issue I'm finding is that there is little difference in the courses available. There only now seems to be CACHE level 2/3 in Early years/children and young people, and these courses don't seem to cover much about child development or their care, more things like "promoting equality", "context & provisons in early years setting" and "setting up your own home-based child-care service". Although they say they're suitable for nursery workers, childminders and nannies, there seems to be much more content for the former two than the latter!

Am I wasting my money and her time? Is there a better course available, which covers practical things about childcare and child development, rather than the legalities of what needs to happen in nurseries and childminders homes? Should I just concentrate on training her in what I want in terms of the care of my baby, toddler, and older children during ML? Or should I just go for someone older and more experienced?

Any advice very welcome.

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Laquitar · 24/05/2011 14:37

I think it is best to let her decide what she wants to study.
And/or find someone else.

frakyouveryverymuch · 24/05/2011 13:45

Just to the DHC and NVQs have been replaced so what she should be doing is this or the same course with another awarding body.

Blondeshavemorefun · 24/05/2011 13:40

if you like her and she has great ref thats a real big plus :)

to be ofsted registered she would have had to have done a common core skills, so must have some basic knowledge

nannynick · 24/05/2011 13:11

What course has she already done to become Ofsted registered?

What training have you had in child development, learning, play etc?

phillippa1 · 24/05/2011 12:43

Hello.

I'm not sure if there are any courses out there specifically for nannies, If she is ofsted registered she should be entitled to the assistance and advice given by your local childcare support officer or you can approach your parent support advisor (normally contactable through your local childrens center) .. I'm a childminder and agree the introduction to childcare practise is more aimed at childminders caring in their own homes.

I would recommend the NVQ 2 and possible progression to NVQ 3 in childcare, learning and development.
Depending on her age she could possibly do this on day release at college whilst your of ML.

Personally, if you have certain ways of doing things that you want her to follw, your own training would be ideal but if your after a qualification I would recommend the NVQ's.

I hope this helps.

Good Luck.
Pippa.

TheOriginalFAB · 24/05/2011 12:40

My advice would be to forget the courses and go with your instincts. When I was looking for nanny jobs I had no qualifications in child care at all but experience and on more than one occasion I was given the job over someone with qualifications but without experience.

Lily311 · 24/05/2011 12:38

I did Cache Level 3 Diploma in Home based childcare course, it covered child development and childcare, it was through MNT and distance learning .However I did at the same time started to study with OU, doing E100 course, which was really much better than the diploma, I can certainly recommend it. And no, you don't waste her time and yours, as a childcare practitioner training is very important, a certain knowledge of child development is a must!

frakyouveryverymuch · 24/05/2011 12:37

I suspect you're looking at the DCYPW which is exactly the same as the old level 3 diploma but comes in units, one of which (necessary for OFSTED registration) covers what you mention. I suspect she's done that one already as a day course for OFSTED unless she did MNT's own brand one. There is still plenty on development in the diploma but TBH there's no substitute for you giving her practical training on how you want things done.

The reason you're finding little difference is because most childcare qualifications have been withdrawn and replaced by this new industry standard one,