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

Any nannies that study with Open University

9 replies

LovelyNanny26 · 12/05/2014 13:35

Hi Im considering an Open University degree(Ba in Childhood and Youth Studies).Only considering to study 60 credits a year.I also work full time so it will suit me perfectly.I would like to know your experience regarding OU and how many hours do you study a week etc,how do you make it work around your work?Thank you

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badgerhead · 12/05/2014 14:03

I'm a childminder currently studying with the OU, but I'm doing Early Years Childcare & Education. My optional module I did last year was E212 Childhood. This module is a level 2 one & was the third module of my degree & the one which overlaps with what you are wanting to do. I really enjoyed it, even with the exam at the end of it & was very pleased with my results.
I would say that you need to check the requirements of the modules in the degree, (I'm not sure what they are) as in my degree quite a few of the modules require me to be working with groups of children & therefore would be very difficult to do as a nanny.
You will need to be very organised with your study/reading and be able to get your assignments in on time as extensions are down to the individual tutors & they will normally only grant 2 extensions in one module.
It is doable, but be prepared to not have a lot of social life on top of your work. The sense of satisfaction you get on completing a module is brilliant, the frustration in-between whilst doing them is not so good.
I would reckon on a minimum of 10 hours study per week with more around TMA (assignment) due dates.

HSMMaCM · 12/05/2014 16:35

I did it as a CM. It is possible and even the stuff that doesn't relate to your day to day work is interesting.

HSMMaCM · 12/05/2014 16:36

Should say ... I did 60 credits a year as well.

LovelyNanny26 · 12/05/2014 16:54

How did you find it.

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LovelyNanny26 · 12/05/2014 17:34

How many hours a week do you study with 60 credits please.I would like to research it properly before I commit to it.

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HSMMaCM · 12/05/2014 18:19

I enjoyed it, but it was hard work. I didn't put in as many hours as they suggest and could have got a better grade if I'd worked longer hours on it. I hated the conpulsory exams for two of the modules. Some people did 120 credits a year, but that would have been too much for me. My family were very supportive and I needed that. Wonderful feeling when it's finished though and I was almost tempted to onto a masters (it becomes a habit after a few years). I wish I'd done childhood and youth Instead of early years, but still happy.

ElectricalBanana · 12/05/2014 20:13

I am just finishing my fourth module of the BA childhood and youth with the ou. Only two more to go!

I am a childminder and I work a 50 hour week

It's hard but well worth it!

Waves to Badger- I did E212 last year too - one word - barbie!

Objection · 13/05/2014 14:07

I'm a Nanny. I only do weekends and temp work now (averages at about 50 hours a week) but up until last week I did weekends (Fri night to sun night) in London and then worked FT mon-fri in an office in the midlands where I'm based.
I'm doing an OU degree, 120 credits a year, two modules on at the moment. managed to get it all in plus running an Etsy shop Smile

badgerhead · 13/05/2014 17:19

Waves to ElectricalBanana ,that word ! Lol. I agree it is hard I work a 55 hour week but do find it really worth doing.

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