Want to work in childcare but on UC

[jobsearching]

Hello, I'm in early 20s with no childcare qualifications but I really want to work in a nursery or primary school. Does anyone know how I could start this process? I lost my job due to COVID so I am on universal credit and they don't let you train in college or anything if you are on UC

What are your circs? Living alone? Partner? Kids? What other qualifications do you have? Is Uni an option?

I am living with my boyfriend, I have only ever worked in an office. Uni isn't an option, need to be a paid job so I can afford rent and food

Have you considered an apprenticeship? That way you can earn and train at the same time, and continue to claim UC (although obviously recalculated). I'm not sure what kind of role you are looking for in an education setting though.

Look for apprenticeships. Your local Education Authority website may well advertise these, or you might find them on childcare provider/nursery websites

I did but they are only £400 a month unfortunately so cannot afford it

Apprenticeships pay £4.60 an hour, on a 37 hour week that's 757 a month and all 5 days are paid, as you're over 19 it would only be your first year at that rate then you increase to min wage for your age.

Lots of nurseries, particularly the bigger chains have "Bank staff" you could use that as a starting point, do some very part time and casual hours and build up experience. They can help you gain your level 3 in childcare whilst you work too.
Is your universal credit factoring your partners income too?

Unlikely to get a non apprenticeship job in a nursery as they cant use unqualified in ratio

@jobsearching

I did but they are only £400 a month unfortunately so cannot afford it

You should get a top up with UC so shouldn’t be any worse off

@jobsearching

Hello, I'm in early 20s with no childcare qualifications but I really want to work in a nursery or primary school. Does anyone know how I could start this process? I lost my job due to COVID so I am on universal credit and they don't let you train in college or anything if you are on UC

You can train and still get UC if you can show its compatible with getting work. So either you can do work alongside the course and/or the course itself is going to help you get work. A lot will depend on the exact nature of the course. Have a chat with your work coach. Even if the course you are looking at isn't compatible, they may be able to suggest another route in.

just apply for the jobs, and train on the job. Many nurseries take unqualified staff. Put together a CV and drop in around all local nurseries

You can do part time courses in further education and still claim UC, but you still have to look for a job.

You could also contact your local council and enquire about childminding courses.

If you took on apprenticeship 63p for every £1 you earn is deducted from your wage. So if you earned £400 for example, £252 would be deducted from your UC payment so you’d still get some UC plus your £400 wage.

If you have children and have the rent element an £293 is deducted from your wage then the £0.63 is deducted so that would be £67.41 that is taken off your UC payment. Which would make you £ 332.59 better off each month.

Contact the national careers service and enquiry about a career in childcare if you want to understand the career path.

I came on to the say the same thing as @54321nought . Just apply for the jobs directly. I really wouldn't bother going through an apprenticeship, with it being an entry level job you don't need to. I've worked in child care for the last 10 years and in 3 different nurseries, they always took on unqualified staff. I think minimum wage is around £7 an hour for over 20's (I could be wrong) but it's better than an apprentice wage any way. Be prepared though, it's a fucking hard job. Good luck whatever you decide

Aged 19 or over and in your first year
The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £4.30 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and have completed your first year
You’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your age.

www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/pay-and-conditions

With apprenticeships you’ll gain a qualification, if you apply to a nursery ect they may not fund qualifications so that’s something to bear in mind.

This is the link for apprenticeships just add your post code and search area you’re looking at around £600-700 at intermediate level

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch