Has anyone Completed extra courses using this site ...

[2sugarsMilk]

Hi, I've been looking at extra courses I could do. I'm a nanny and have NVQ level 2 and Level 3 in childcare and education , and I'm wanting to gain more qualifications . Has anyone used this site www.childcarecollege.co.uk/playwork/qualifications
Or know of any other site to use ?
Thanks.

Haven't used them, but DH has used NEC.

You could have a look at OU. You doubt have to do a full degree with them.

Wouldn't touch them with a bargepole. They, among others, have a very bad rep for making their courses seem more than they are.

Their childminder diploma is CYPOP5 plus done if their own stuff. You don't get a CACHE diploma but they imply you do.

The NCFE level 3 could easily be misinterpreted as the DCYPW - and that's intentional - but it isn't.

So I would only use them if you're 100% sure, cast iron guarantee, in writing that you are getting exactly what you think.

You need to consider if any course you do will be recognised by a future employer. I would suggest that if doing courses which are more than just a one-day-workshop, then stick to courses from the large awarding bodies.
DfE Qualification Search is a database of courses current and in the past.

If you want to do a Diploma in Playwork, then NEC.ac.uk runs the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Playwork (QCF) at a cost of a little under £2000, which might be this on the DfE database.

Oh right!!! Thanks for your replies. Im not really sure about the letters extra in the qualification, I know NVQ and diploma.the course I was looking at taking gives you, A Level 3 NCFE Award Certificate of Achievement. A play work diploma. Is this not a recognised qualification ?
Thanks nannynick , but I can not afford £2000 unfortunatly :(

Certificate of achievement? No.

I am slowly starting to take the view that NCFE qualifications in childcare are dodgy. There are probably some decent ones out there but the majority don't seem to be recognised in the industry.

Oh I see. I'm glad I posted on here before paying for this! I will have a look else where then, thanks!

www.stonebridge.uk.com/course/playwork
What about this one? Sorry not to sure which one to go for

Instead of googling I recommend doing as nick suggested - look at what you do need. Skillsactive and playwork partnerships are two well known sources of info but you need to look on this database.

In any kind of childcare or play work distance learning just isn't going to cut it for something which isn't a short CPD course. A play work diploma definitely isn't that. Also look at the awarding body - you want CACHE or City&Guilds.

I would suggest a transition award as you're already qualified.

Thanks! Didnt think it would be so confusing and so many different options to take a play course! I only want more in depth information and something to show for it in play work or something similar , as I'm a nanny and most of my day is teaching through play.

Do you want a qualification that could lead to work as a playworker or a CPD something extra course?

If the former the transition award is the way to go but if the latter I'd opt for something delivered by a reputable organisation focuses on playwork.