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Parenting

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

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Original poster

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?

9 replies

MollyMooMin · 14/10/2006 09:55

Hi.I'm 35 & my DD is nearly 2. I'm thinking about a future career in working with young children(when my DD will be at school herself). Does anyone have any info on what courses there are available, fees etc?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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ScummyMummy · 14/10/2006 10:25

Does this help?

BATtymumma · 14/10/2006 10:32

do you mean as a childminder or working in a nursary?

i think many colleges do ACCESS to childcare course which are a good way of getting into sa subject if you havent studied for a long time.
then there are various NVQ's which you can train for whilt working.

Pinotmum · 14/10/2006 10:34

I have just completed the Cache Level 2 Certificate in Pre-School Practice. I attended college for 1.5 days per week. You are also required to arrange a placement in a pre-school for the duration of the course - probably equates to 2 sessions a week but as I am employed in one my workd hours covered this. The course was pretty straigt forward and you are set four assignments during the year. I believe a written exam is being introduced though from this year. I intend to do level 3 next year when ds is full time at school.

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Original poster

MollyMooMin · 15/10/2006 11:15

I know I sound totally stupid, but where do I get more information on these nvq courses, either studying from home, or going to a college?

OP posts:

magic5 · 26/10/2006 17:12

the nvq courses would have to be a college has they are work experience inclusive.call your local adult learning college for further info.
for a child day care course from home im using study house.they are great its the second course with them for a diploma.my first with them was a years course in child psychology diploma. next ear i want to do an access to healthcare course.then maybe a degree from there.

LazyLou · 26/10/2006 17:36

I did my NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education alongisde the Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Practice through a nationwide trianing provider. Smart Training!!

Absolutely fantastic, I have to say. Working through the week (went part time when DD was born) and college on one Saturday a month, so a whole month to do your work.

If you'd like a number for them, let me know!

LazyLou · 26/10/2006 17:36

They also do the level 2

LazyLou · 26/10/2006 17:39

Oh and as for fees, the government have just allocated funds for people working in childcare, not sure how it works from area to area, but I was awarded £1500 plus expenses for books etc to do the Foundation Degree in Early Years at Roehampton Uni.

Joceybean · 27/10/2006 23:22

I am currently doing the level 3 Diploma in Pre-school practice and like the level 2, you need to be working either paid or voluntarily in nursery or pre-school. You can do these courses through a company called NEC (national extention college) but they still require you to have a placement. You can get a bursary for some courses through your local early years department. A good place to start is (childcarelink.gov.uk) The course I am doing is being funded this way and I am taking it through the PLA (pre-school learning alliance (pre-school.org.uk) Good luck and don't be put off. Its a wonderful career, although very poorly paid.

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