What does an NVQ Level 2 mean then?

[flowerybeanbag]

I am being told about a possible candidate for my nanny job, and apparently she is NVQ Level 2 in childcare but I am clueless about what that actually means. What has she studied, for how long, does that require any work experience placements or anything? Help!

You lot are helping me through this traumatic nanny hunt no end!

Hi

A level 2 student usually goes on to complete a level 3 wqhich enables them to carry out roles such as Nursery Nurse, Supervisor, Manager etc.

Within a nursery situation a Level 2 must work under the supervision of a Level 3. they will have attended placements, but given that their course would have been 6-12 months in length I'm not sure how many.

IIRC Level 2's don't undertake training with babies as part of their course.

Hope that helps a bit!

hi shiny, that is v helpful, thank you.

Apparently this person has been working in the baby room of a nursery, but I found myself nodding wisely on the phone to the agency woman when she said NVQ Level 2, then realised when I hung up that I had no clue what on earth that meant!

Taken from the CACHE (Council for Awards ub Childcare and Education) website:

CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Child Care and Education (CCE-L2)

Who is it for?

Key Stage 4 pupils in schools (14+) or colleges, 16-18 year olds in FE colleges or with Training Providers, mature candidates in special circumstances
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What entry qualifications do you need?

There are no formal entry qualifications
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What will you learn?

You will learn about children at different stages in their growth and development. You will also learn how to care for and educate children and how to work with parents, carers and other professionals
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What age range of children is the qualification about?

Birth to 7 years 11 months
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How will you be assessed?

One assignment for each unit and a multiple choice question paper covering the core units
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Will there be practical placements during the course?

Yes, CACHE recommends 65 days in placement
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How many teaching hours?

1 year full time or some Study Centres offer it as a part time course over a long period time
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What other qualifications can you do when you finish the award?

CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education (DCE-L3)
CACHE NVQ Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development (NVQCCLD-L3)

(you must be supervising other members of staff, or working on your own, before undertaking this qualification)
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What jobs can you apply for?

Nursery Assistant, Pre-school Assistant etc
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Equivalent

5 GCSE grades A*-C

Ooh you're a star, thanks so much!

That's okay

Hope it helps!

How old is she?
The one thing that would occur to me to ask is why has she never completed her Level 3?

I'm not sure how old yet - I am getting her details through hopefully today or tomorrow. Definitely I would be questioning why no Level 3.

Have you had any more candidates put forward?

Hope you find someone soon!

Well there's a definite shortage, that's the problem. I am seeing someone tomorrow night who is NNEB, very experienced etc etc but she has made it clear that she is only available if she can bring her DD to work with her, and I have huge reservations about that, for lots of reasons.

I'm fortunately not in a position of having a deadline, going back to work day, but I'd like to have a bit of choice really!

thanks

Have you got ads on Gumtree etc etc?

Nanny friend of mine put an ad on there and at the last count has had 9 enquiries

How many hours are you looking to cover?

Yep I've had a gumtree ad for quite a while, keep bumping it as well.

I need about 15-20 hours a week, mostly fixed hours but some of those a bit flexible. I naively thought they'd be queueing up to look after a 9mo baby, but sadly no!

Have you tried nannysharing websites?

It's probably the hours that are putting people off as most people need full time (ish) I'm guessing.

Fingers crossed for someone suitable soon!

Flowerybeanbag,

I personally don't think its unusual for someone who has been working in a nursery to only have an nvq level 2...she has probably been working towards it while working at the nursery and hasn't had chance or the opportunity to do the level 3 (you have to have the opportunity to be in a 'supervisory' role to do the level 3 which isn't always an option in a nursery).

Jen

ooh that's helpful jen thank you

shny haven't tried nanny sharing websites no, might have a look

Have you tried Nannyjob/Nanny Select etc?

Greatcare and Bestbear are also good as is your local Netmums!

Have an ad on nannyjob, also on netmums, will have a look at those others..