Children's
& Young People's Services
Careers in Childcare
Qualifications
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.
If you are returning to childcare after some years, and have
qualifications, you can check if your qualifications are recognised by Ofsted
on ![[external link]](../../../images/navext.gif) www.openquals.org.uk.
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Usual questions and useful answers
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?
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.
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
(NVQ's) at your own pace.
What qualifications are for nursery care?
As a Trainee you'd usually start off working towards NVQ (National Vocational
Qualification) Level 2 in 'Children's Care, Learning and Development',
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 'Children's Care, Learning and Development'; or
-
CACHE (the Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education) Level 3 'Diploma
in Children's Care, Learning and Development' (which used to be known as the
NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing)
What qualifications are for pre-school care?
As a trainee you'd usually begin by working towards becoming an Assistant
in a supervised role, in a pre-school or playgroup setting. The main qualification
for this is:
You could then progress to a managerial or supervisory position on the job.
The main qualification for this is:
This is available via distance learning through the National Extension College.
What qualifications are for childminding?
All new childminders will need to complete a short pre-registration course
within the first six months, if you are interested please complete our pre-registration
form. Many childminders 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 Family Information Service can give you information on
what other childminders are charging in your area and can be contacted on  020 8856 5398
What qualifications are 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:
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:
Higher-level qualifications in Play work include:
-
The NVQ Level 4 in 'Children's Care, Learning and Development' 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
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Where next?
Read though the information on Getting Trained / Qualified for
more details on the options available and how to go about getting the various
qualifications mentioned above.
The Guidance & Support for Childcare
Providers section also provides details of additional support for childcare
providers, guidance on child protection issues, and information on local training
opportunities that
includes details
of short courses as well as long term training.
For information on London Borough of Bexley funded qualification courses check the Childcare
Recruitment & Development Services Training Programme, or contact Jackie
Collen at:
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