Hi I have been offered a job in a residential childrens home for special needs children aged 6-19 years.
I've worked in childcare in a nursery and nanny/housekeeping for 14 years, but have no experience with special needs. I applied not expecting to get far but was offered a support worker role :)
Now for the problem...its 6 months probation and then you are expected to do a NVQ Level 3 in residential childcare. I went straight from secondary education into work (missed college as I learn bettter hands on rather then in a classroom) and have NO academic courses behind me whatsoever.
Has anyone been 'thrown in at the deep end' so to speak? If so...how was it? The job will be shift work so 13.5hrs x 5 days one week, then 13.5hrs x 2 days the following week.
I also wondered if I did complete the course, how that would help me in future? If I went back into Nannying would families accept that as a 'normal' childcare qualification. Or what other jobs could it lead to..
Any advice appreciated
TIA
*the families I have worked for previously have never minded me not having any qualifications but all experience.