Children's
& Young People's Services
Careers in Childcare
Working with children
Whether you are thinking about what to do after leaving school, are already working with children or looking for a change of career, the following information will help you to find the right route.
There is a training route to suit every stage of your career, from leaving school to higher education level. You can now gain a recognised qualification in a way that suits you. Whether you want to work with children under five, school age children or you haven't yet decided the following information will show the key qualifications available.
The provision of childcare for children less than 8 years old is regulated by a government body called Ofsted. At least half of those working in a registered childcare setting need to have a recognised qualification. So gaining a qualification is an important step in improving your employment and career opportunities.
If you are currently considering a career in childcare or a change of childcare careers and live within the Bexley Borough the Organisational Development Team of London Borough of Bexley have two courses, which are available to you free of charge. The Childcare Training in Bexley course is an eight-week course held on a Monday or Wednesday evening 6.30-8.30 for newcomers to childcare or those wishing to change career. It offers an opportunity to discover the knowledge and skills required to work in a childcare setting. We are also able to offer an introductory qualification Level One, Working with Children offers a first step onto the qualification ladder, the course is run on alternate Saturdays and involves a 12-hour placement in a childcare setting. If you are interested in attending either course please contact Angela Sharp 020 8836 8093
or email angela.sharp@bexley.gov.uk
Bexley Organisational Development Team has a variety of childcare qualifications available for childcare practitioners working in either paid or voluntary positions with children within the Bexley Borough, these are funded via Sure Start and ESF/European Social Fund. For further information regarding qualification training and the criterion for each course please check the Childcare Recruitment & Development Services Continued Professional Development Training Programme. The programme also has a selection of short courses available for childcare practitioners working with Bexley children in either a paid or voluntary basis.
To obtain a copy of the Childcare Recruitment & Development Services Continued Professional Development Training programme please contact the team on 020 8836 8064. Alternatively you can access the programme on the Children and Young People's Services web site in Careers in Childcare.
 Where
do I begin? Bexley Recruitment and Selection (649KB, PDF file)
Bexley
Staff Appraisal Guide for Childcare Settings (477KB, PDF file)
There are two main ways to train for a qualification in early years or playwork; you can study whilst you work or undertake a course of study. This could be at a local venue, a further education college or a sixth form college or other learning centre.
Childrens Workforce Qualifications (139KB, PDF file)
VRQ's (Vocationally Related Qualifications) and NVQ's (National vocational Qualifications)
A VRQ can be gained at a further education college, Sixth Form College or other learning centre. There are a variety of courses leading to qualifications to suit your needs. You can study full or part time and gain some practical experience in a work setting. Courses are also available through distance learning though you will need to arrange how to get suitable workplace experience. Entry qualifications will depend on the course you take. Study support will be available to ensure your learning needs are met.
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ's) are work-related, competence-based qualifications. They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively and show that a candidate is competent in the area of work the NVQ framework represents. They give those who are already experienced and skilled in their work a chance to achieve a recognised qualification. You continue to work, studying part time and build a portfolio of your achievements. An NVQ assessor will assess your portfolio and observe your work. The whole process usually takes between 12 months and two years, but the pace is up to you.
There are different levels of qualification suitable for every stage of your career.
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Foundation Level
For people with little or no experience of working with children. At college you will be given work placements to gain practical experience or as an apprentice you will train while you work.
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Level Two
Recognise the ability to gain a good knowledge and understanding of a subject area or work or study, and perform varied tasks (NVQ2, GCSEa*-C) For those who are working under supervision such as a Nursery Assistant or Playgroup Assistant working with children under five or an assistant playworker in an out of school setting.
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Level Three
Recognise the ability to obtain detailed knowledge and skills (NVQ 3; A-Levels) For those who work on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and supervising others, for example, a nursery nurse, playgroup leader, senior playworker or a childminder working on their own at home.
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Level Four
Recognises specialist learning and involved detailed analysis of a high level of information and knowledge (Certificate of Higher Education) For experienced practitioners who carry out complex and non-routine tasks such as a manager of an early years nursery or out of school setting or a development officer for a local authority.
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Level Five
Recognises the ability to increase the depth of knowledge and understanding of an area of work or study to enable the formation of a solution and responses to complex problems and situations (foundation Degree or Diploma of Higher Education) For experienced practitioners such as a manager of a childcare setting or a manager of a children's centre.
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Level Six
Recognises a specialist high level of knowledge of an area of work or study to enable the use of an individual's own ideas and research (Degree with Hons or Graduate Cert)
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Level Seven
Recognises highly developed and complex levels of knowledge which enable the development of in-depth and original responses to complicated and unpredictable problems and situations (Masters degree)
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Level Eight
Recognises leading experts or practitioners in a particular field.
At 16+ you can take a 2-year full time Diploma in Children's Care Learning and Development course at a further education or sixth form college leading directly to a level 3 qualification. It covers children's development from birth up to 8 years old as well as working with parents and carers and you will have plenty of work placements to gain valuable experience.
Modern Apprenticeships
Modern apprenticeships are now the main route to free work based training for those under 25 years old and are now available in the early years care and education field.
There are two levels:
- Modern Apprenticeships usually last at least a year and apprentices work towards a National Vocational Qualification at Level 2, Key Skills and Technical Certificates.
- Advanced Apprenticeships usually last at least two years and apprentices work towards a National Vocational Qualification at Level 3, Key Skills and Technical Certificates.
There are no set entry requirements for Apprenticeships. You just need to be living in England, aged 16 or above and not taking part in full-time education.
Useful websites
Careers websites:
 www.connexions.gov.uk
www.childcarecareers.gov.uk/index
Information on Apprenticeships:
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
If you are returning to childcare after some years and gained a qualification you can check if your qualifications are recognised by Ofsted on www.openquals.org.uk
If you would like to work in a school there are now opportunities to work in a school setting as a teaching assistant. This term includes Early Years Practitioner, Learning Support Assistant, Minority Ethnic Support Assistant, Information Communication Technology Assistant and others who help teachers in the classroom or pre-school setting.
You will need to apply directly to a school, within Bexley school vacancies are advertised on the schools vacancies page. For more information on teaching assistants www.teachernet.gov.uk/teachingassistants
Are you currently out of work?
New Deal is a Government programme that aims to give unemployed people the help and support they need to get into work. Everyone on New Deal gets a personal advisor who is his or her point of contact throughout the programme. The personal advisor takes the time to understand you – you experiences, interest and goals – so a plan can be prepared to get you into a suitable job. New Deal options are open to younger and older unemployed workers, people with disabilities and lone parents wishing to return to work. You can also receive help with your childcare costs.
Even if you are not eligible for a New Deal programme, you local jobcentre can help you find out about opportunities to work in this area.
Contact Jobcentreplus
If you are already working in childcare or playwork you will be able to gain a recognised qualification by working towards an NVQ while you work. Check which level qualification you could be working towards using the table provided previously. An NVQ should be completed within two years but you can work at your own pace.
For those working in supervisory positions without an appropriate qualification you may be able to have your previous learning and experience working with children accredited through APEL which will help you gain a relevant qualification.
Early Years Sector-Endorsed Foundation Degree (EYSEFD)
The Early Years Sector-Endorsed Foundation Degree (EYSEFD) is an exciting, new higher education qualification at level 4 that will lead to a new level of professional practice known as the ‘Senior Practitioner'. The Foundation Degree is open to all those working in early years settings. Students will need to have a level 3 qualification in early years, childcare or playwork (or equivalent) and at least 2 years' experience of working in the sector. (Those students who do not hold a level 3 qualification may discuss APEL procedures with their intended institution of study).
Further information is available www.surestart.gov.uk/ensuringquality/training/foundationdegree
For higher qualifications in playwork visit www.playwork.org.uk
Early Years Professional Status
The Early Years Professional is a new role leading practice across the Early Years Foundation Stage in a range of settings. It is a change agent to raise quality of provision and improve practice. Modelling skills and behaviours that promote good outcomes for children.
By 2010 all children's centres offering childcare with have to have an Early Years Professional and by 2015 every full day care set.
Working with young children in a registered daycare setting
Nursery Nurses work with children 0-8 years in a variety of settings such as schools, crèches, nurseries, hospitals and private households.
Working in a pre-school or playgroup
Pre-schools and playgroups provide morning or afternoon care, play and early education for children usually aged between two and five.
For many parents helping out in your local playgroup will be your first experience of working in childcare. As an assistant in a pre-school or playgroup you can work towards a level 2 Certificate in Pre-school Practice which takes 240 teaching hours. You can then move on to a level 3 Diploma in Pre-school Practice if you want to be a playgroup leader.
www.pre-school.org.uk
Working in out of school and holiday play provision
Playwork involves providing opportunities for children and young people from 4-15 years to play in either an out-of-school or holiday playscheme setting.
If you work part time, there are a variety of routes to gaining a level 2 or 3 in Playwork including appropriate part time college courses. The Early Years Sector Endorsed Foundation Degree (working with children 0-8 years) which has a playwork strand is available for experienced practitioners.
A Playwork Sector Endorsed Foundation Degree (working with children 4-16 years) will be entering its pilot phase in September 2005.
www.skillsactive.com
Working at home
No formal qualifications are required to become a childminder although in Bexley you are required to undertake a Introducing Childcare Practice and also a twelve hour paediatric first aid certificate. Anyone applying to become a childminder should expect to be asked to provide a range of references and undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check.
Caring for children in your own home requires a health and safety inspection via Ofsted on a yearly basis.
If you are a childminder, a level 3 Diploma in Homebased Care may be most relevant to your work. Even though it is not a requirement of registration it will help you to demonstrate your professionalism to parents.
For further information on becoming a childminder contact Family Information Service 020 8856 5398 or email fis@bexley.gov.uk
Working in a classroom with school aged children
Teaching assistants can update their knowledge and skills through level 2 or 3 NVQ's for Teaching Assistants. You can also study for a foundation degree or train to attain the standards for the Higher Level Teaching Assistant. Details can be found on www.hlta.gov.uk.
For details on working in a Bexley School contact Dilys Oliver by emailing dilys.oliver@bexley.gov.uk
Qualities & Skills of a Childcare worker
Some of the essential qualities required to work with children include patience, enthusiasm, empathy, a sense of responsibility and a sense of fun! If you care about children, you like being with them.
For information on London Borough of Bexley funded qualification courses contact Jackie Collen 020 8836 8098
or email jacqueline.collen@bexley.gov.uk or check the Childcare Recruitment & Development Services Continued Professional Development Training Programme.
Copies can be obtained from Children's & Young People's Services webpage under 'Careers in Childcare: Childcare Providers' alternatively copies can be obtained via Emma Keys/Amanda Brown 020 8836 8064.
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