Anyone doing their NVQ in early years education?

[McDreamy]

I am about to start working in my DD's pre school as an assistant and I would like to take the opportunity to do my NVQ. Just wondered if anyone could share their experiences with me.

Are there any good websites for finding out more information? TIA

Dont know about Websites I'm afraid.

I did my level 3 in Early years care and Education a few years back and found it really enjoyable and not at all pressured.

2 ladies at Preschool were doing their Level 2's and the smae time and they did lots together and seemed to be having a great time. They enjoyed working together and inspired each other along. Perhaps someone in your preschool will be working towards theirs too! Personally I preferred to work alone I did it most in the evening and could pick the times to suit myself and my family.

HTH

Thanks shouldbe. Funny you should mention that but another girl here is wanting to start hers soonish so we have talked about doing it together!

Great Good for it.

Hello. I am currently doing the Diploma in Pre-school practice which is a level 3 qualification. I'm really enjoying it.

Do you use any web sites? I'm just after more information about what is involved in doing the course.

All our staff train through the Pre-school learning alliance towards the certificate (level 2) or diploma (level 3) in pre-school practice so can't comment about NVQ's. Have you asked the other staff at the Pre-school? They may be able to point you in the right direction. If you are looking for web sites, one I visit sometimes is called silkysteps.com and apart from excellent resourses, they have an on-line community similar to mumsnet and there are threads specifically to do with training. Otherwise, maybe your local college? Also I think I have seen people post in the student parents threads on here sometimes about the childcare NVQ's. The very best of luck to you and I hope you enjoy your new job. It's a fantastic, rewarding role although the pay is poor!

i am hoping to start city and guilds teaching assistant course with ics! not sure what im letting myself in for either!

NEC do the DPPlevel 3 as a distance learning course, and their website has quite a lot about the content of the course.

It used to be that if you do the Dpp with NEC they didn't accept the bursary as payment so you would have to pay the whole amount. (unless that has now chaged). By doing the course through the PLA, the majority of costs are covered.

Yes, that's true

But the website gives lotsof info about the course (sample units etc) - you don't have to sign up for the course to see these.

This Yahoo group is great

Mcdreamy, are you working in the pre school as an assitant or are you actually an employee ??

Only asking as am thinking of volunteering at a nursery.

I am starting as a voluteer and if I like it I want to start my NVQ's asap and then I will go onto to apply for their supply jobs (employed). I am a nurse by trade so I have no pre school experience except that which my DD provides me

Ahh i see, what happens about a CRB check when you volunteer ? Do the nursery pay for it or do you have to pay yourself ?

I think the nursery can apply for CRB for you, using their umbrella group for crb applix, and treating you as equivalent to staff.

I could be all wrong, though.