What is level 2 in Childcare?

[alysonpeaches]

What is level 2 in Childcare and does it qualify a person as a nanny? Can they be OFSTED registered?

Sounds like an NVQ or equivilent type thing. It doesn't mean they are ofsted registered. I'm not sure what qualifications a typical nanny has.

Assuming this

www.cache.org.uk/CacheDNN/Default.aspx?tabid=94

Sound like it would class someone as a mothers help in which case probably wouldn't be eligible to be ofsted registered. I think you would need level 3.

Are you referring to the NVQ ? Childcare career options here basically a nursery or classroom assistant at level 2. Not sure you are qualified as a nanny/nursery nurse until level 3 here. Ofsted registration is voluntary at the moment.

anyone childcarer can register with ofsted you dont have to have specific qualifications you just need to fullfill ofsteds requirements.
Level 2 is a basic childcare qualification, level 3 is fully qualified as nanny/nursery nurse.

Bonkerz is right

I didn't think you needed qualifications to be a nanny? I know a NVQ 3 would be a bonus but I don't think you actually NEED any qualifications?

IMO experience is better than qualifications anyway

i think if you are not qualified then technically you are a mothers help or an au pair. and you are right experience is better than qualifications but even childminders have to do basic training now.

Yes but the childminding course is 1 evening a week for 6 weeks. The NVQ level 3 can take 2-3 years.

When I was looking for a Nanny job, even the agencies didn't ask for NVQ 3 and the thing that kept getting in the way is that I didn't drive, which was considered a lot more important than the NVQ 3. That was 3 years or so ago though.

im doin the dipolma in childcare level 3 at the moment and i can tell you that the level two qualifies someone as a nursery assissant only and shouldnt be left in sole charge of children . . hope this helps!

Well I only have an NVQ level 2 and have been aproved by ofsted to childmind and I am fully registered. you DEFINATLY DO NOT need a NVQ level 3 to childmind. I am not 100% sure about Nannying as it might have changed recently but i KNOW you don't need one to childmind.

alysonpeaches - why do you need to know? Knowing that may help us answer the question.
For example, you may be wanting a nanny but need them to be Ofsted registered, so you can part-pay them using Childcare Vouchers. In which case, the nanny needs to meet Ofsted's requirements at the time of registration (and meet any subsequent changes Ofsted, or other related bodies/organisations may make in the future).
If that is indeed the case, then this guide from Ofsted may be of help - in particular
~~ Begin Quote ~~
Childminders and home childcarers must have successfully completed a:

• qualification at a minimum of level 2 in an area of work relevant to childcare, or
• training in the core skills as set out in the document ?common core of skills and knowledge for the children?s workforce?.

~~ End Quote ~~ Note: Home Childcarers is Ofsted speak for Nanny.

You dont need qualifictaions to be a childminder or registered with ofsted you are right, i dont think i ever said you do!
I have a level 3 qualifications which means i am a qualified nanny and also a qualified nursery manager (after 3 years of working as a nursery nurse!) What i meant was experiance isnt everything in childcare as even childminders who are usually mother s with years experiance have to do basic training (ICP) courses.

Bonkers, I wasn't refering toyou, I was refering to this comment:

"the level two qualifies someone as a nursery assissant only and shouldnt be left in sole charge of children"

Qualification Search - this is quite interesting to have a look at, as from September 2009 it is what Ofsted will probably be using to determine what courses are suitable for those working in childcare.
My CACHE Diploma in Nursery Nursing (NNEB) 1998 isn't on the list - yet the older NNEB course is... and to my knowledge there was not a change in the course itself, just the examination body due to NNEB merging with CACHE. So I've sent off an enquiry to CWDC to ask why my course isn't listed. I hope they list it soon.

thats want its classed as in a day nursery, i didnt know it was different for childminders! i was told through tutuors at college that we couldnt become a ofstes registered nanny at only level 2 and we couldnt be left sole charge in a day nursery!

You can be left in sole charge with an NVQ level 2 at a nursery too. I have worked in a nursery too and unless it has changed in the last year or 2 you do not need NVQ 3 there either, as long as you have NVQ 2 and a CRB