Nvq level 2 childcare

[vickyh22]

Hi! Can anyone give any advice about the nvq level 2 childcare course? I'm 31 with 3 children currently part time employed at 16 hours a week. Would love a career in childcare! Has anyone completed this nvq later on in life? Is it something I have to pay for? I have a potential placement lined up in my little boys nursery! Any information would be greatly appreciated!

I did it, it's ok. It is probably more worth while to do the level 3 though.
You can do it free as part of an apprenticeship.

Agree level 2 is pretty basic. You may qualify for it free or subsidised through certain providers. What qualifications do you already have?

You used to have to have gcses in English and Maths to get on to the level 3, but now the course includes a functional skills test in English, maths and computing.

Thanks for replying! I was wondering if I had to leave my current job obviously it would put me in a financial situation could I just do level 2 then progress to level 3 if I enjoy the course?

I have GCSE B English but maths is my weakness I only got a D!

Level 2 is only a few hours a week, level 3 more of a commitment (plus volunteering) . You should be able to work alongside but some combine it with working as a lunchtime supervisor for example or as an apprenticeship.

If you're not sure, could you try volunteering in a childcare setting near you? There's no point enrolling and working if you won't enjoy the job. Your tutor might come for a few months after you start (experience)

might not

Level 2 is a bit of a waste of time. Many people have level 3 and will be employed over and above level 2's who in turn will be paid a level 2 salary

My current job is quite flexible as it's a family business! I just really fancy a career change and working with children has always been a passion of mine! My little Boys nursery has said they will offer me a placement! I can fit this in with my current job and my mum can help with me with childcare. I am considering just going for the level 3 then. Thank you all for replying

I would definitely go for the level 3, i did both and found the level 2 a bit pointless tbh. Good luck.

Agree with going straight onto level 3. I did level 2, then found most schools wanted level 3.

I did my level three as distance learning. Is that an option for you? I had to be disciplined about setting aside time to study at home but it meant I didn’t have worry about childcare.

I know level 2 is quite basic, I only want to work within the nursery setting at the moment. I was hoping to get the level 2 then progress to level 3. My children are quite young but I have a good support network! Just finding it a little daunting taking that step to further education! I'm absolutely bored to death of my current job!

What do you currently do? As a pp suggested it might be worth while doing a few voluntary sessions to see if you like it.

I would say do the level 2 to get some experience and see if you like working in a nursery
Then do the level 3 if you do
Level 2 is classed as qualified and level 2s are often on the same rate as level 3s

My family has a cctv/tv installation business we sell online via amazon/eBay so I just basically just do picking and packing! It's been ideal for me so far with having children I can work when they are in school. My youngest is 2 now and settling into nursery so now the time is right to explore another career.

I used to teach level 2 and was an assessor for the level 3s - many of my students were aged in their 50s. Go for it - it's a really nice course and opens up lots of opportunities.

@SadVillageGirl Ah great thanks!

@DaphneFanshaw that's seems like a good idea I will see if I can volunteer for a few hours a week on my days off! Thanks!