Frequently Asked Questions

Get trained

Parents and children both benefit from experienced and qualified care workers who can respond correctly and appropriately to their needs.

By holding the appropriate level of qualifications and by continuing on a training programme, you can help to promote children's social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional development.

With experience, training and the appropriate qualifications come the ability to interact with and share information on the care of children with their parents and with other members of staff.

The list below provides answers to the most common questions of those people who are interested or looking to acquire childcare qualifications:

• Do I need qualifications?
• What kind of experience and qualifications do I need?
• Qualifications for day nursery care
• Qualifications for pre-school care
• Qualifications for childminding
• Qualifications for out of school care
• Where next?

Do I need qualifications?

Yes, you do. You may be able to work in some areas of the childcare and play work sectors without holding qualifications, however there are long-term and career benefits to obtaining qualifications, especially if you see working with children and young people as a career rather than just as a job.

For some occupations, there are regulations that stipulate the qualifications that you should have. For example, at least half the staff working in private or voluntary-sector day nurseries have to be qualified as early years care and educations workers.

To help you decide in what area of childcare you would like to work in, you may want to take our free taster course 'Making Choices' run by CETS.

What kind of experience and qualifications do I need?

High-quality training for Early Years, childcare and play workers is absolutely crucial - children and their families need well-qualified adults who are sensitive to their needs and have the expertise and experience to support them.

Experience of looking after young children - in your own family or friends' family, for instance - is always useful in childcare, but recognised training qualifications equips you with the skills you need to do your job well and the knowledge to understand and appreciate a child's development. What's more, the confidence, experience and qualifications gained will stand you in good stead at the start of a new career - and open doors for a bright future working with children anywhere in England.

There's a range of relevant qualifications at local colleges, full-time, part-time or day release from your work. Much of the training can take place on the job, where you can gain qualifications such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) at your own pace.

Take a look at training opportunities in Croydon

Qualifications for nursery care

As a Trainee you'd usually start off working towards NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Level 2 in Early Years Care and Education, in a supervised position in a day care setting, progressing to Level 3 on the job.

For qualified staff at manager or supervisor level, nurseries are usually looking for:

• NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education or CACHE (the Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education)
• Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (which used to be known as the NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing)

Qualifications for pre-school care

A Trainee you'd usually begins by working towards becoming an Assistant in a supervised role, in a pre-school or playgroup setting. The main qualification for this is:

• The Certificate in Pre-school Practice (a vocational qualification at Level 2)

You could then progress to a managerial or supervisory position on the job. The main qualification for this is:

• The Diploma in Pre-school Practice (a vocational qualification at Level 3 awarded by CACHE)

This is available via distance learning through the National Extension College.

Qualifications for childminding

All new childminders will need to complete a short pre-registration course within the first six months. Many are also working towards qualifications to help them provide a better service to children and families, and to assist their career development.

The most usual qualification taken by childminders (encompassing the pre-registration course) is:

• Certificate in Childminding Practice (a vocational qualification at Level 3, run by CACHE, the Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education, in association with the National Childminding Association).

NB: Since childminders are self-employed, the fees you charge are up to you. The Children's Information Service can give you information on what other childminders are charging in your area. You'll find them in your telephone directory.

Contact Children's Information Service for more information on Becoming a childminder.

Qualifications for out of school care

There are a number of short introductory courses available that will give you the background and basic skills needed to work in an out-of-school setting. One example that you may like to consider is:

• Take 5 for Play - a 20-hour, entry-level course. As a Trainee you would usually begin by working towards a Level 2 qualification to become an Assistant Play worker.
   
• You may then choose to progress towards a supervisory role by gaining a Level 3 qualification. The main qualification for each of these is the NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Levels 2 and 3 in Play work. Higher-level qualifications in Play work include:

• The NVQ Level 4 in Early Years Care and Education or
• The Management Charter Initiative NVQ Levels 4 and 5. This can also be used for management of other Early Years, Childcare and Play work settings

Where next?

Take a look at the training opportunities provided by

• CETS
   
• Training Providers

Back to Training

Saturday, 5 July, 2008

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