Training, Qualifications and Salaries

Training and Qualifications

Most employers are looking for both qualified and unqualified staff. There is a range of training available and you can find full time, part time or work based training that fits in with your life.

There are different levels of qualifications suitable for every stage of your career, from leaving school to higher education level. You can gain a recognised qualification in a way that suits you.

Here are a few examples:

Foundation Level
For people with little or no experience 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.
Level 2
For those who are working under supervision such as nursery assistant or a playgroup assistant working with children under five, or an assistant playworker in an out of school setting.
Level 3
For those who work on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and supervising others, for example a nursery manager, playgroup leader, senior playworker or a childminder working in their own home.
Level 4
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.
Level 5 (foundation degree)
For those working as senior managers and development officers, responding to policy or operational issues, perhaps managing several teams and resources.
Level 6–Early Years Professional Status (degree level)
A professional status for those who lead practice across birth to five year olds, to recognise their experience as a practitioner and professional leader.

Overseas Qualfications

If you hold a childcare qualification obtained outside the UK, it is important to ensure that this is evaluated.  Evaluation of international awards in the UK is undertaken by National Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC)  which also covers the National Reference Point for Vocational Qualifications (UKNRP).
You can also contact the Department for Education and Skills on 0870 000 2288 for further details on comparing international early years, childcare and playwork qualifications to the standards in the UK.

Salaries

Salaries for Early Years and Childcare workers vary according to role and location. The non-financial rewards are enormous; most people working in the sector find it an extremely satisfying and enjoyable job.

Your involvement in Early Years and Childcare could benefit and transform the lives of children and young people in a setting near you and give you the satisfaction of a rewarding and worthwhile career.

Find out more

The Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) provides support and advice on training and qualifications in the sector.

Their details are:

To find out more about qualifications and suitability for specific job roles within Early Years and Childcare settings and for a current list of regulated qualifications visit:

http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/