would like to start a career in childcare which course would you recommend......

[NotInTheMood]

ds2 will be starting pre-school soon so i would like to go back and study. Ive decided to try a career in childcare as hopefully it will fit well around the kids and plus its all ive know for the last 5 years.I would eventually like to work my way up and progress further possibbly into mangement or teaching. However i have no idea where to start. I deally I would love a job in a pre-school setting. I was looking at doing an Nvq 2 in childcare a few years ago but it all seems to have changed and there are lots of different courses.Will give the college a ring later but thought Id ask advice on here first.

the BTEC or the CACHE :)

Hope this makes sense have got a really bad migraine so stepping away from the computer

Oh sorry forgot to say do the level 3 if you can, then if you can, go to the OU and do the Certificate in Early Years Practice (a recognised level 4)

I made the move into childcare a few yrs ago. I would strongly recommend you find a setting to volunteer at as the first step. I did NVQ level 3 in childcare and education and alot of the assessment is on practical skills so you will need a setting to work with. The advantage of doing a bit of volunteering first is also so you will see what the work involves not only looking after the children but the planning and other record keeping and paperwork that goes along with it.
Money is generally crap but I love the work. It can very very draining both physically and emotionally but the highs make up for the lows. Hrs of course fit well with older children at school.
There is definately scope to progress into supervisory roles or management. If you go on to do a degree in early years that can lead onto primary teaching.
Good luck

Ah thankyou for the replies. I was planning to set up a placemen as I realsie it is practical based. When I enquired a few years ago they said i had to start nvq 2 before I could progress to nvq 3 is this true? I have a nursong diploma and a gnvq in health and social care.

soory still have a awful migraine

I went straight to level 3 and know plenty of people who have done the same. If they are making you do level 2 first then that would be specific to that training centre/college rather than a nationwide rule.

Ah thankyou, perhaps I could do it with learn direct or something if thats tha case

Your local Early Years dept at the County Council might be able to suggest training providers.