Interested in Working with Children in Sandwell? Working with children and young people is challenging, rewarding, important and fun!

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1 Interested in Working with Children in Sandwell? Working with children and young people is challenging,

2 Introduction Contents Do you want to build a career working with children? Are you interested in working in early years, childcare, education or playwork? Check out some of the career opportunities and qualifications to support your chosen career path. 4 Childcare Choices 6 Children Need Men Too! 8 Full Day Care Settings 9 Children Centres 11 Childminding 13 Playwork 14 Teaching Assistant & Special Needs Teaching Assistant 16 Pre School or Playgroups 17 Other Careers in Childcare 19 Qualification Guide Whether you are thinking about what to do after leaving school, are already working with children or looking for a change of career you can now gain a recognised qualification in a way that suits you. This recruitment pack will guide you through the different careers available for working with children under five or School age children. 2 3

3 Childcare Choices Childcare Choices - Working with children in Sandwell This is an introductory programme for anyone interested in working with children. The sessions provide an insight into Childcare and Early Education careers. Who can work with children? If you are imaginative, creative, have the right mix of skills and personal qualities then this is the career for you. We would like to see more children benefit from quality care and education that is delivered by: women and men adults of any age looking to re-enter employment those who have taken a career break to bring up children anyone looking to change career direction people from every ethnic and cultural background people with a disability Men, older people, people from ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities are still under-represented within the workforce. What does the briefing session include? Childcare Choices Working with children is a 2 hour programme, held at various times and locations throughout Sandwell. It will help you decide whether working with children is for you. The programme covers all aspects of working with children and young people and deals with careers in: Early Years Education for children aged 3-5 Childcare for children aged 0-8 Supporting teachers in Early Years Education Out-of-school care for school age children Health and social careers It provides an insight into the qualifications and training required dependent upon the career path you choose. Childcare Choices is delivered by Sandwell s Early Years and Childcare Unit Workforce Development Team. The sessions are informal, in small groups, and you will have plenty of opportunity to ask the questions that are important to you. We also work closely with local colleges and training providers so that the information you receive is current and relevant to your plans. Who is it for? Most employers prefer employees to be at least 18 before working with children, but will often take trainees/ apprentices aged 16+. If you have a real interest in working in this sector, there are specific training opportunities available to you. You should be aware that for jobs working with children you will be asked to declare any criminal convictions you may have and that details of any spent convictions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act

4 This does not necessarily mean that you will be prohibited from working with children. Information about the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) will be given during the programme. For general information on working with children in Sandwell, call Sandwell Family Information Service on For further information about the next available Childcare Choices course, or other qualifications and training, call the Workforce Development Officer at Sandwell Early Years and Childcare Unit on Children need Men too! Try a career working with children In Sandwell we are looking for men who will step up and consider a career working with children. Children need positive role models from a young age, are you up for the challenge? Working with children is a rewarding career. You can make a positive contribution to the lives of children in Sandwell by helping them discover the world around them. We need you! There are so many benefits, you can: Access nationally recognised qualifications and become an Early Years Professional. Begin a journey on a new career path Open doors into the children s workforce, progressing into other related careers such as family support, social work, nursing and teaching. Case study: Adam Cooper (Children s Centre Manager, Greets Green Children s Centre, Sandwell) After finishing university in 2003 I was undecided what to do next. My course had resulted in me working as a manager for a car rental company, a job which I didn t enjoy. I wanted to do something that I found more rewarding. As a student I had worked with children on a temporary basis in nurseries and playschemes in Sandwell and really enjoyed it. I was unsure how this would become a career though. I saw a job advertised for a Development Worker, working for Sandwell Early Years and Childcare Team. Although I wasn t quite sure what the job was all about I applied and was lucky enough to become part of a team responsible for supporting Early Years and Childcare settings across the whole of Sandwell. I became involved with Children s Centres and was really impressed with the work they did. As a result I was lucky enough to become a Children s Centre Manager in Birmingham. I have recently returned to Sandwell as Manager of Greets Green Children s Centre in West Bromwich. I don t work with children as much as I used to but I find the work our centre does with children and families extremely challenging and rewarding and I m really glad that I am not selling cars anymore! For more information contact: Sandwell Family Information Service on

5 Full Day Care Settings Definition: Day nurseries, Children Centre nurseries, other childcare settings who operate over 4 hours per day. High quality care and education are crucial for young children. That s why people like you with commitment, energy and enthusiasm, who can be positive role models are needed to play a key part in nurseries in your area. Working with young children in Full Day Care is a satisfying and worthwhile career, a job you can be proud of. As a Nursery Practitioner you will play an important part in the lives of babies and young children, supporting them to develop and grow in their Early Years. What is Full Day Care work? Men and women of all ages and from all kinds of backgrounds work in day care. Whatever setting you work in, you ll be part of a team, planning and organising stimulating educational, care and play activities, ensuring children s individual needs are met. You will work in partnership with parents/ carers, discussing their child s day and resolving any issues, making sure he/ she has the best possible care in a nurturing and safe environment. Facts about Full Day Care They usually provide all-day care for children aged 0 5 years. They are generally open from 8am to 6pm but some run from 7am to 7pm or longer. Most are open all year round, except for weekends and bank holidays; some are open term-time only. There are all kinds of Full Day Care settings many are privately owned, others are run by the Local Authority, voluntary and community groups, schools and colleges. Qualification examples NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Children s Care, Learning and Development CACHE Level 2 Certificate Childcare and Education CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education BTEC National Certificate in Early Years (EDEXCEL) BTEC National Diploma in Early Years (EDEXCEL) Your rate of pay will depend on your experience, level of qualification, responsibility and location. Children Centres Definition: Sure Start Children Centres are community hubs where children under five years old and their families can receive seamless integrated services and information. Every community will be served by a Sure Start Children s Centre. Services vary across different Children Centres, the following is available at the majority of centres: Early Years Provision Integrated early learning and childcare for babies and children until they are five years old. This is open for a minimum of 5 days a week, 48 weeks a year, 10 hours a day. 8 9

6 Family support and parental outreach Provide visits to all children in the catchment area within two months of the child s birth, offer support, advice and activities to families promoting child development, health and well being. Employment opportunities There are a variety of job roles and volunteering opportunities within Children Centres because of the services provided. The job roles include: Nursery Manager Nursery Practitioners Family Support Workers Outreach Workers Fathers Involvement Worker Early Years Support Workers Qualified Teachers Qualification examples NVQ Level 3 Children s Care Learning and Development Early Years Foundation Degree BA Honours in Childhood and Youth Studies Early Years Professional Status Qualified Teacher Status Health & Social Care Qualifications Childminding What is a registered childminder? Childminders work in their own home and provide care and learning opportunities for children of all ages in a home environment. They are self employed and set their own fees. Hours are flexible and childminders can choose to work full or part time depending on their own family commitments. As a childminder you will be required by law to register with Ofsted when you look after one or more children under the age of eight for more than a total of two hours a day on domestic premises, for reward. Reward can be money or payment in kind. How do I become registered? Contact FIS for an information pack Book onto a briefing session Attend a 12 hour introductory course Complete the Ofsted application process Request a pre-inspection support visit from Sandwell Childminding Team Undertake the Ofsted registration inspection Childminding briefing sessions are held regularly in Sandwell, these provide you with the opportunity to ask questions. You will be required to undertake an 8 week Introduction to Childminding Practice (ICP) course, Paediatric First Aid training and undertake an enhanced CRB check

7 Further Qualifications Diploma in home-based childcare NVQ level 2 & 3 in Children s Care, Learning and Development Early Years Foundation Degree Case study: Margeret Hitchins (Childminder in Sandwell) I worked for Social Services until I had my eldest son who needed me to stay at home and care for him. On returning to work I decided I would like to become a childminder and make a real difference to children in my care. I have been childminding for 14 years and I really enjoy looking after children. I have been privileged to see how many of the children I have cared for over the years have done well at school and grown into great young people. Being a childminder is very rewarding, I feel I can give children lots of attention and help them develop and grow. I was recently nominated as Childminder of the Year in Sandwell and have received an outstanding score in all five areas of my Ofsted inspection. Being a childminder is so worthwhile. By working with parents you can really make a difference to the children in your care. For further information about the briefing sessions Call Sandwell Family Information Service on or Sandwell Childminding Team on Playwork Working in playwork, out of school or holiday clubs There are hundreds of thriving breakfast and after-school clubs, homework clubs, holiday play schemes, open access schemes and adventure playgrounds all over the UK, set up usually for four to sixteen year olds to use outside school hours. They employ men and women of all ages and from all kinds of backgrounds. You would be working as part of a team setting up spaces where children can get involved in original and interesting activities. You could be doing anything from joining in their games and providing breakfast to helping with homework and giving them a safe place to play. Wherever you work, you d be ensuring that children and young people have the chance to play, choosing exciting activities for themselves in a safe and caring environment. You can be a Playworker in a range of settings which offer: out-of-school care, usually for children aged 4-16 breakfast and after school activities, homework support, holiday play schemes and adventure playgrounds play opportunities supported by playworkers (in or away from school premises, so children can be escorted there after school or access more freely) safe places for children to meet their friends, socialise and learn through play 12 13

8 Your rate of pay will depend on your experience, level of qualification, responsibility and location Qualification examples CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Playwork CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Playwork NVQ Level 2 in Playwork NVQ Level 3 in Playwork NVQ Level 3 Children s care, learning and development Teaching Assistant Teaching assistants support teachers in schools. Job titles vary, and may include classroom assistant; non-teaching assistant; learning support assistant; bilingual support assistant; and special needs assistant. Some teaching assistants may be attached to a whole class, others may support one child or a small group of children with special educational needs. Duties vary depending on the particular job and the age of the children. Those working in primary schools are likely to have the following duties: listening to children read, reading to them or telling them stories supporting children in specific areas of the curriculum such as numeracy assisting individual children to complete tasks playing games with younger children and encouraging them to learn through play making preparations for lessons supervising non-teaching areas such as dining rooms and playgrounds escorting pupils between classes, on outings and sports events Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), work under the direction and supervision of qualified teachers. Duties include working as a specialist assistant for a subject or department, contributing to lesson planning, developing support materials, or supervising a class. Special Needs Teaching Assistant Special needs teaching assistants help teachers in schools, by providing classroom support to pupils with a wide range of learning, physical or behavioural difficulties. Assistants work under the supervision of the class teacher, helping pupils to achieve their learning goals. Other duties depend on the assistant s particular job, the type and severity of the pupils disabilities and their age. Assistants may work in special schools, or with an individual pupil or small group of pupils in a mainstream class. Some special schools take pupils up to the age of 19. Qualification examples NVQ level 2 in children s care, learning and development NVQ level 3 in children s care, learning and development For more information contact the Family Information Service on Most teaching assistants in secondary schools work as special needs assistants, supporting children who have disabilities or learning difficulties

9 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. They employ men and women of all ages and from all kinds of backgrounds. You d be working as part of a team, planning and providing stimulating educational and fun activities for the young children in your care. You would also work closely with parents and carers, discussing and sorting out any issues relating to their child, making sure he or she has the best possible care and activities in an encouraging and safe environment. Case Study: Claire Russell (Childcare Practitioner) I grew up in a large family with lots of cousins & siblings and my mum suggested that I should consider working with children. I decided to try work experience in year 10 and really enjoyed it. Working with children is something I wanted to do from a very young age. I ve just finished studying for my NVQ level 3 alongside having a baby. I would like to progress my career to train and work in child psychology. If you ve ever considered a career working with children, why not give it a go and see how you get on. If you still at school work experience can give you a good idea of the field of work you would like to consider doing. Facts about pre-schools and playgroups: Pre-schools and playgroups provide sessional day care for children aged between two and five Most are organised by community or voluntary groups, providing a number of morning and afternoon sessions each week, usually term-time only Some are open all day so that working parents can use them Pre-school work often offers practitioners the flexibility to fit hours in around other commitments Qualification examples NVQ level 2 in Children s Care Learning & Development NVQ level 3 in Children s Care Learning & Development CACHE level 2 Certificate in Childcare and Education CACHE level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Pre-school Practice For more information contact Sandwell Family Information Service on Other careers in Childcare Hospital Play Specialist Hospital play specialists have a special function within the hospital environment, you will require experience of working within the early years and childcare sector in order to apply for this role. Hospital play staff lead playful activities and use play as a therapeutic tool with children of all ages who are admitted to hospital. Play specialists work closely as part of the multi-disciplinary team, and: organise daily play and art activities in the playroom or at the bedside provide play to achieve developmental goals help children master and cope with anxieties and feelings 16 17

10 use play to prepare children for hospital procedures support families and siblings contribute to clinical judgements through their play based observations teach the value of play for the sick child encourage peer group friendships to develop organise parties and special events They use play as a means of communication with young children, keeping them in touch with their community, teaching them facts regarding their illness and correcting any misplaced worries they may have in order to reduce anxiety. Play staff start work as play assistants, progressing with further training and experience. Qualification examples NVQ level 3 in Children s Care Learning & Development Level 4 BTEC Professional Diploma in Specialised Play for Sick Children and Young People (EDEXCEL) For more information about working in health careers visit or call Sandwell Family Information Service on Qualification Guide There are two ways of training for a qualification. You can study whilst you work or undertake a course of study. This could be at a local community learning centre, a further education college, a sixth form college or a private training company. Some employers will be happy for you to access training whilst you work e.g. Apprentices, others may request a recognised qualification prior to employment. Every Local Authority has an Early Years and Childcare Team and Family Information Service (FIS), with someone to offer you further advice and support regarding recruitment into the Early Years & Childcare Sector. Level 2: Early Years & Childcare Nursery Assistant Pre-School/ Playgroup Assistant Parent/ toddler group assistant Toy Library Worker Qualifications NVQ level 2 in Children s Care, Learning and Development (Awarding bodies C&G, CACHE, EDEXCEL) Level 2 Certificate in Child Care and Education (CACHE) Level 2 Certificate in Pre-school Practice (CACHE) 18 19

11 Level 2: Playwork Assistant Playworker Holiday Playscheme Worker Adventure Playworker Qualifications NVQ level 2 in Playwork (Awarding bodies C&G, CACHE, EDEXCEL) Level 2 Certificate in Playwork (CACHE) Intermediate Certificate in Playwork (NCFE) Intermediate Certificate in Developing Skills Working with Children and Young People (NCFE) Level 3: Early Years & Childcare Nursery Supervisor Pre-School/ Playgroup Leader Learning Support Practitioner Early Years Worker Nursery Practitioner Special Educational Needs Support Childminder Level 3: Playwork Senior Playworker/ Coordinator Qualifications NVQ level 3 in Playwork (Awarding bodies C&G, CACHE, EDEXCEL) Level 3 Diploma in Playwork (CACHE) Advanced Certificate in Playwork (NCFE) Level 4: Early Years and Childcare Manager Development Officer Advanced Practitioner Qualifications Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Practice NVQ level 4 in Children s Care, Learning and Development (Awarding bodies C&G, CACHE, EDEXCEL) 20 21

12 Level 4 & 5: Playwork Playwork Manager Playwork Development Officer Qualifications NVQ Level 4 in Children s Care Learning and Development (Awarding bodies C&G, CACHE, EDEXCEL) NVQ 4 in Playwork BTEC Higher National Certificates/ Diploma in Advanced Practice Level 4 BTEC Professional Diploma in Specialised Play for Sick Children and Young People (EDEXCEL) Level 5 & 6: Early Years & Childcare Manager Early Years Worker Early Years Professional Qualifications Early Years Foundation Degree NVQ level 5 in Management BA Hons in Early Years and Childcare Studies Early Years Professional Status 22 23