A Careers Guide to Working with Children & Young People

Transcription

1 A Careers Guide to Working with Children & Young People

2 Contents 1 Contents 2 Introduction 3 Using the booklet 4 Starting from the beginning 6 Choices 8 Making use of your previous experiences and knowledge 9 What are recognised qualifications? 11 Job roles 37 Level 1 - Introductory courses and qualifications 38 Level 2 Qualifications 40 Level 3 Qualifications 44 Level 4 Qualifications 47 Level 5 Qualifications 49 Level 6 Qualifications 52 Level 7 Qualifications 54 Level 8 Qualifications 55 Advice and guidance 57 Funding 59 Contacts 62 Useful websites 1

3 Introduction Welcome to the Careers Guide to Working with Children! We hope that this guide gives you the chance to consider the wide range of opportunities available working with children and young people in Devon - from Teaching to Playwork, Nursery Management to Educational Psychology. Over the past few years, opportunities to work with children and young people in Devon have increased significantly, so there s never been a better time to consider working in this sector. In response to new Government initiatives, childcare provision across the UK has rapidly expanded and brought with it new jobs such as Playworkers and Children s Centre Managers. In schools, new roles such as Higher Level Teaching Assistants have been created, and across the county, professionals supporting children, young people, families and communities are working together in new ways. The Children and Young People s workforce also now boasts a wide range of professional qualifications across the job roles, and the eagerly anticipated Integrated Qualifications Framework is expected to offer workers even better opportunities to move across a range of disciplines within the workforce, without the need to completely re-train. It s an exciting time to work with children and young people! This guide describes outlines a range of opportunities involving working with children and young people aged 0 16, and the associated training and development required for these roles. You ll also find contact information at the back of the guide, which will enable you to obtain more detailed information about the areas you re most interested in. Good Luck! 2 Disclaimer This guide has been collated by Devon County Council, who wishes to thank all the contributors from a wide range of agencies and organisation working with children and young people across the county. Please note that some information may have changed since the publication of this guide, so please do check details and updates with the relevant contacts provided at the back of the document.

4 Using the booklet What is the booklet for? To describe the range of job opportunities which involve working with children and young people. To identify the range of training courses and qualifications currently available working with children and young people in Devon. To demonstrate how these courses and qualifications relate to the various jobs in the sector. To identify local and national contacts, career routes and funding. Who is this booklet for? It is a guide for anyone considering a career working with children and young people aged between 0 16 years. It is also a useful resource for people already working in the sector who are seeking further information about career progression and other opportunities. It is also helpful to employers and career advisors. What does it cover? Roles in: Early Years (working with 0-5 year olds) Childcare (working with 4-16 year olds) Education, including Teaching and Support roles (working with 4-18 year olds) Health Services, including hospitals and clinics Social Care Crime reduction Supporting children with specific or additional needs Youth groups and clubs Sports and Fitness Self employment opportunities Professional support 3

5 Starting from the beginning This Career Guide will provide answers to some of the questions you may have about working or gaining a qualification in work with children and young people. The aim is to help you to make a decision about what interests you and to make informed choices about which jobs and qualifications may best suit your needs and interests. Are there any entry requirements? Enthusiasm and a strong interest in your chosen area of work is essential, but in addition, it s useful to gain as much voluntary experience as you can where possible. This can make a big difference when applying for jobs, especially where there is a lot of competition. Previous or current studies towards qualifications associated with working with children and young people is also very valuable. The second half of this guide lists some of the common qualifications of this nature. Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Checks Most jobs involving children and young people now require a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure or check, which is usually carried out once an offer of employment has been issued. The CRB was launched in March 2002 as an Executive Agency of the Home Office, providing wider access to criminal record information through its Disclosure service. This service enables organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors to make safer recruitment decisions by identifying candidates who may be unsuitable for certain work e.g. involving children. There are two different checks standard and enhanced and your employer will undertake the relevant check for your circumstances. The requirements are that you declare any convictions you may have. You will also need to provide details of any other names you have been known by. The checks will be made against records containing names of people who have already been found to be unsuitable to work with children and young people. These details are held by the Department of Health and the Department of Education and Skills, under the Protection of Children Act Having a criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from working with children and young people. It will depend on the nature of the offence, the severity of the sentence and whether you are otherwise suitable. Applicants should note that it is a criminal offence to apply if you are already disqualified from working with children and young people. 4

6 Statutory certificated entry programmes For employees wishing to work with children and young people, the following courses should be considered: First Aid You can undertake the basic foundation course in emergency first aid which provides basic knowledge, sufficient to safely administer first aid to children. Alternatively, there are more advanced courses available e.g. First Aid at Work, which is Health and Safety Executive Approved. If you are not able to attend courses due to time and/or childcare restraints, First Aid e-learning courses provide an easy way to learn at your own pace. For further information and advice, look at the following website: Basic Food Hygiene This course is required for those working in settings who have contact with food. Are there any age restrictions? In general, employers prefer employees to be at least 18 years old before working with children, especially those wishing to work with very young children. However, if you are under 18 and have a real interest in working in this area, you can start by undertaking an introductory course. There are many ways of doing this, such as a work placement organised through your school/college or training provider, or an Apprenticeship. Your careers service, i.e. Connexions, Jobcentre Plus, will give you further advice and guidance. Of course, it is not only young people who want to work with children and young people - mature people are welcomed and there is plenty of scope for all ages. Since October 2006 it has been illegal for employers to discriminate on age grounds, and Devon County Council works hard to promote and support employers in ensuring they are delivering the highest quality services to children, young people and their families, by employing the best, most appropriate staff for the jobs. 5

7 sa Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service Choices A free half day information workshop for people wishing to find out more about a career working with children and young people. Choices is a free, informal four hour workshop designed to help you make an informed choice about whether working with children is right for you. You ll find out about qualifications and training, funding and career opportunities, and receive advice about what steps to take next. It is especially relevant for people with little or no experience of working with children. During the session, attendees learn about the different types of roles available working with children from 0 14 years (or 16 for children with special educational needs), as well as identifying the working environments where these opportunities arise. This allows each person to decide which age group they would most like to work with, if any. Attendees are given one-to-one guidance at the end of the workshop to help build an action plan. Attendees will also gain information about the types of qualifications and methods of study which are relevant to each person s area of interest and personal circumstances, together with details of any funding which may be available. To book onto a Choices session, please call the Children & Young People s Services on Freephone Courses run quarterly in locations across Devon and are free of charge. 6

8 Early Years and Childcare Service Senior District Co-ordinators Melissa Filby (Torridge & North Devon) Telephone Nikki Phillips (Exeter, East & Mid Devon) Telephone Sue Bolt (Teignbridge and South West Devon) Telephone Early Years and Childcare Service District Co-ordinators Kerry Thorne (East Devon) Telephone Vacancy (West Devon) Telephone Calendula Bowen (Mid Devon and part of West Devon) Telephone Workforce Development Worker Heather Quance Telephone Recruitment Administrator Simon Twigg Telephone Connexions Cornwall and Devon Connexions is a support service for young people aged Telephone Jobseeker Direct Part of Jobcentre Plus, providing information about job vacancies and how to apply. Open weekdays 9am 6pm, Saturdays 9am 1pm. Telephone Nicola Wills (Exeter) Telephone Christine Andrews (Exeter) Telephone Tania Skinner (South Hams) Telephone or Sandra Ackfield (North Devon) Telephone Becky Bayet (Torridge) Telephone Jackie Colby & Vacancy (Teignbridge) Telephone Please refer to the Local Organisations section on page 59 for details of other agencies. 7

9 Making use of your previous experiences and knowledge You may already be working in the play, education, youth or childcare sector or may be a parent, carer or a volunteer. The choice of opportunities to train or progress in this field of work is vast and it is important to find out what age range and what type of setting would suit you. There are many career paths you can take to reach your goal. However, as you progress towards your goal you may decide to alter course. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) has approved a framework of qualification equivalents that show what counts from learning already undertaken. The table on the following page provides an explanation of how each level equates to different types of qualification and also who would be most appropriate to commence a qualification/course at that level. When making career moves, you need to make the most of valuable experience and learning. Evidence of previous learning or experience may be accredited (see below). It is helpful if training providers offering non-accredited courses indicate the level and standards to which they relate. This makes it easier to use if attendees wish to seek accreditation. Accreditation of Prior and Experiential Learning (APEL) It is worth considering what experiences of working with children and young people you may already be able to bring forward for your qualification. You may have a combination of acquired skills and knowledge gained in a variety of ways. APEL can help you to access certificated courses to NVQ Levels 2, 3 or 4. The Children s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) is developing guidance on the accreditation of prior learning and experience to guide individuals who want to re-enter the workforce, or who may have achieved their qualifications some time ago and need to update their skills. This guidance will help to show how they can measure their earlier achievements against the requirements of qualifications in the new framework and, where appropriate, claim credit towards an accredited qualification. For further information, contact their website:- Your core skills gained through working with children and parents are transferable to a range of sectors of work with children. For example: you have gained a Level 2 Award in Children s Care, Learning and Development and decide to undertake a playwork award. Some of your acquired skills can be transferred to awards at Levels 2 and 3 of the Playwork NVQ. Integrated Qualifications Framework The Children s Workforce Development Council is working with its partners in the Children s Workforce Network to develop an Integrated Qualifications Framework (IQF). The aim is to establish more comparative qualifications and to enable practitioners to move more freely between roles within the sector. This is closely linked to the Early Years and Social Care reform that is currently going on in light of the new National Occupational Standards and Induction Standards. For more information about the Integrated Qualifications Framework, visit and click on Projects 8

10 What are recognised qualifications? Recognised qualifications are those which have been approved by the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA). QCA is the regulatory authority which oversees the work of the awarding bodies such as City & Guilds Affinity, Council for Awards in Children s Care and Education (CACHE), EDEXCEL etc. Qualifications are offered on 8 levels as shown in the table below. Level of qualification Equivalent to academic level Equivalent to occupational level Aimed at Entry Level Entry Level Certificate Entry Level Certificate Those deciding which area of work with children they wish to pursue Level 1 GCSE grade D G Level 1 NVQ Those wanting awareness and understanding of basic principles and skills, often called induction Level 2 GCSE grade A* C Level 2 NVQ Those working with children on the front line i.e. assistant level Level 3 A level; diploma Level 3 NVQ Those with more experience of working with children, those who work in more specialist areas, alone, unsupervised or who supervise others Level 4 Foundation Degree (The equivalent Level 4 NVQ Managers, co-ordinators or specialist of year 1 of a degree course) practitioners Level 5 Full Foundation Degree (The Level 5 NVQ Senior positions within workplace Multi equivalent of year 2 of a degree course) sites / services Level 6 Graduate BA (Hons) Senior positions in strategic policy roles, lead professionals. Level 7 Postgraduate; Masters MA Leaders, senior positions, integrated services, specialist professionals Level 8 Doctorate Ph D Research undertaken to achieve expert professional status 9

11 In the workplace what are NVQs? National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are competence based qualifications that reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively. They require an assessor to assess your performance, skills and knowledge in workplace conditions. Assessment is normally through on the job observation and questioning. Candidates produce evidence to prove they have the competence to meet NVQ standards. NVQs offer flexible roll on/roll off courses which are designed to be carried out whilst in the workplace or on a work placement. There are no age limits and no special entry requirements. An assessor may already be working with you to support and assess you as you work towards your qualification or alternatively, someone outside your workplace may visit. Assessors must be experienced in the area of work with children for which they are assessing and qualified in assessment (A1/A2 units). Through a training programme Colleges of higher education (HE / universities), colleges of further education (CFE) or a range of private training providers offer a variety of full time and part time courses. Assessment is undertaken at various points throughout courses on both your academic and your practical skills. Some qualifications focus on academic achievements, some on vocational understanding and some on the practical skills. Some look at all areas. Distance learning and part time courses Some training providers offer distance learning programmes (with tutor support). These can be undertaken: Online As flexi learning (as stand alone or with tutor support) or Supported by part time courses E-learning If you can use the internet, there are many courses that you can access at your own pace or when you are available. These are online programmes. You can access the internet free of charge for 30 minutes a day at many local libraries. 10

12 Job roles There are many jobs within the sectors pay may vary in different parts of the country as will length of training time required. Here are some of them, listed in alphabetical order. Job title Brief description of job Essential training/qualifications Desirable training/ qualifications as recommended by OFSTED in line with good practice and or other regulatory body recommended by Early Years and Childcare Service Advisory Teacher Pre-school 0 6 years (PSAT) Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) Commitment to continuing A teacher who works with children with Mandatory qualifications are professional development special educational needs, and their required for teaching children Experience of working in families, both in their homes and in with visual or hearing impairment foundation stage pre-school settings. Degree in education Experience of working with 0 18 years (SATS) Degree in any subject together families. Specialist Advisory Teachers for the with a Post Graduate Certificate in visually impaired and those with physical Education difficulties or communication and interaction difficulties. 3-6 years (FSAT) Foundation Stage Advisory Teachers support all settings working in the foundation stage and advise on curriculum planning, assessment and observation. They provide training and support in early years settings. Statutory school age 5 18 years Primary and secondary subject and phase advisors in maintained settings. Assessor (National Someone who is qualified and Assessor Awards A1/A2 Child protection Vocational Qualification) experienced (occupationally competent) (formerly D32/D33) Paediatric first aid in childcare/early years/playwork who SWiS. The TDA is looking upon SWiS Health and safety assesses people undergoing NVQ as being the key initial qualification Updating occupational competence programmes in the workplace. for support staff and the model for Experience in training and The assessor needs to be occupationally all qualifications come development competent in whatever field they are To be a SWiS assessor you also need IT skills assessing. e.g youth work, play work or the A1 award with an expert Equal opportunities teaching assistants. witness providing the occupational Commitment to continuing competence professional development Qualified to the level equivalent or Level 2 Maths and Literacy. above the award they are assessing Occupational competence in childcare, early years, playwork. 11

13 Job title Brief description of job Essential training/qualifications Desirable training/ qualifications as recommended by OFSTED in line with good practice and or other regulatory body recommended by Early Years and Childcare Service Babysitter Someone who looks after children within There are no legal requirements References/known to the family the child s own home on a casual basis. for a babysitter. Responsible Aged 16 + Childcare experience First aid qualification CRB disclosure check to be carried out Equal opportunities Commitment to continuing professional development Red Cross - Looking after other people s children available through Red Cross or Devon Youth Service - minimum age 14. Child Care Inspector Child Care Inspectors carry out Ofsted s Excellent interpersonal and Experience of regulatory work in (Ofsted) regulatory functions with regard to organisational skills; able to work the sectors and knowledge of the childminders, full day care, sessional day under pressure without close relevant legislation care, out of school care and crèches. supervision, meeting deadlines Experience of inspection work They are home-based for administrative and priorities Early Years Professional Status duties and work across a geographical Experience and understanding of area. The role involves a substantial dealing with sensitive issues and amount of time spent with providers of handling confidential information childcare and involves travelling to and Ability to analyse information from settings. and present results clearly and concisely with good IT skills Educated to degree standard Enhanced disclosure check. Children s Centre Sure Start Children s Centres provide NVQ Level 4 Children s Care, Experience in working with a range Manager integrated multi-agency services to Learning and Development of organisations to deliver services children under 5 and their families. They (minimum requirement) to meet local need are a universal point of access for Educated to degree standard Commitment to continuing integrated early years and childcare, family within the fields of childcare, professional development support, health services, support into education, social work or health Early Years Professional Status. employment and links to other specialist Proven experience of managing services. The manager will provide effective a team. leadership to the multi-agency team, working closely with the local authority, in delivering the Core Offer. 12

14 Job title Brief description of job Essential training/qualifications Desirable training/ qualifications as recommended by OFSTED in line with good practice and or other regulatory body recommended by Early Years and Childcare Service Children s Nurse A qualified nurse who plans and delivers A nursing qualification, degree or Child protection nursing care for children under the age diploma is essential for entry Equal opportunities of 16 in hospitals and other settings. There are shortened training Commitment to continuing Other tasks include assessing the patients courses for graduates in life/social professional development. nursing needs, considering their medical, sciences degrees emotional and family circumstances. Post-registration specialist Involves everything from nursing a sick practitioner programmes. newborn to an adolescent road traffic accident victim. Challenges are very varied, with family care and support a key element. Community Care Worker Unqualified Social Workers who work in Child protection Equal opportunities a childcare team with children and Social services induction NVQ Level 4 Health and Social Care families. They contribute to making Under 21s may require A levels (Children and Young People) or assessments of the needs of children and GCSE s, but more mature equivalent and families candidates may be considered on Commitment to continuing experience. professional development. Crèche Manager Someone who manages the day-to-day Paediatric first aid CACHE Level 3 Management of running of a crèche. A crèche often runs Child protection Early Years Practice (modular alongside a training course, meeting, Child Care and Education Diploma programme) sports or shopping session. CACHE (formerly NNEB), or Food hygiene NVQ Level 3 Children s Care, Health and safety Learning and Development or CACHE Level 3 Advanced Practice in equivalent Working with Babies (modular At least 2 years post qualifying programme) day care experience. Equal opportunities Level 4 Childcare qualification 3 years day care experience (with 1 year in a senior position). 13

15 Job title Brief description of job Essential training/qualifications Desirable training/ qualifications as recommended by OFSTED in line with good practice and or other regulatory body recommended by Early Years and Childcare Service Crèche Assistant Someone who works in a crèche under Enjoys working with young Working with babies and under 3s supervision. children Crèche Assistant course At least half of all childcare staff Child protection must be qualified to NVQ Level 2 Paediatric first aid or equivalent. CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Childcare and Education or equivalent NVQ Level 2 Children s Care, Learning and Development CACHE Level 2 Certificate of Pre-school Practice Commitment to continuing professional development (average 4 days related learning per year if working in foundation stage). Day Nursery Manager A qualified person who organises the Childcare and Education Diploma CACHE Level 3 Management of day-to-day running of the nursery; CACHE (formerly NNEB) or Early Years Practice (modular manages staff and any students on NVQ Level 3 Children s Care, programme) placement; liaises with parents and Learning and Development or Food hygiene professionals and often manages the National Diploma in Early Years Managerial training at Level 4 financial and legal aspects of the Edexcel (formerly BTEC Childhood IT skills nursery. Studies) Equal opportunities At least 2 years post qualifying Commitment to continuing day care experience professional development (average Paediatric first aid 4 days related learning per year Child protection. if working in foundation stage) 3 years day care experience (with 1 year in a senior position) Degree in Childcare Early Years Professional Status. 14

16 Job title Brief description of job Essential training/qualifications Desirable training/ qualifications as recommended by OFSTED in line with good practice and or other regulatory body recommended by Early Years and Childcare Service Early Years Practitioner A qualified person working with early Childcare and Education Diploma NVQ Level 4 Children s Care, years who is responsible for the daily CACHE (formerly NNEB) or Learning and Development needs of the children in their care. NVQ Level 3 Children s Care, Equal opportunities Learning and Development or Commitment to continuing National Diploma in Early Years professional development (average Edexcel (formerly BTEC Childhood 4 days related learning per year if Studies) working in foundation stage) Experience of working with Paediatric First Aid young children Health and safety. Early Years Professional A graduate with considerable experience Degree (any subject) Mentoring skills working with 0-5 year olds, who has Early Years Professional Status Quality Improvement Programmes achieved Early Years Professional Status. (training pathways ranging from Leadership and management Responsible for leading, planning and 3-18 months, depending upon training implementing activities linked to the experience) Commitment to continuing Early Years Foundation Stage within an professional development (average early years setting. 4 days related learning per year if working in foundation stage). Early Years Teacher A qualified teacher with an early years Degree in Early Years Education Post graduate early years specialism, working with children aged Degree with Post Graduate specialisation 3-7 years, usually within a school, Certificate of Education Equal opportunities pre-school, nursery or children s centre. Qualified Teacher Status. Commitment to continuing professional development (average 5 days related learning per year if working in foundation stage) Education Welfare EWOs deal with irregular attendance or High standard of general Qualification in education welfare, Officer (EWO) absence from school. Absences are education, usually to degree level youth work, social work or teaching investigated and initiatives developed to Experience in education welfare, Appropriate further education encourage and promote regular education-based youth services training attendance. They refer cases to other or social services preferred. IT skills statutory or voluntary agencies as Child protection appropriate, write reports and prepare Commitment to continuing evidence for legal action. EWOs provide professional development information and advice to parents, Equal opportunities. teachers, employers and children regarding regulations. 15

17 Job title Brief description of job Essential training/qualifications Desirable training/ qualifications as recommended by OFSTED in line with good practice and or other regulatory body recommended by Early Years and Childcare Service Educational Psychologist Being both qualified and experienced, British Psychological Society Equal opportunities (EP) EPs help to identify and work with accredited psychology degree Commitment to continuing children who have difficulties with Degree in Education professional development (average learning or behaviour. They support Degree in any subject together 5 days related learning per year if schools in raising achievement and school with a Post Graduate Certificate in working in foundation stage). effectiveness. EPs work with parents to Education help resolve their children s difficulties Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) both at home and at school. They also Masters Degree in Educational provide training, undertake research and Psychology. contribute psychological advice. Family Centre Manager/ Manages family centre and staff who At least one of the following: Equal opportunities Deputy Manager provide care and support for families. Social work qualification Commitment to continuing Liaise with social services, childcare teams Teaching certificate/diploma/ professional development (average and health visitors. degree 4 days related learning per year if NVQ Level 4 Children s Care, working in foundation stage). Learning and Development Management qualification Requirements vary depending on whether in statutory or voluntary sector. Family Support Worker May work with groups of families or on Child protection (Foundation and Equal opportunities a one-to-one basis with a family. Advanced) Commitment to continuing Provides play opportunities or child- Other requirements vary professional development (average orientated group work. Families are depending on whether in statutory 5 days related learning per year if referred by social services or a Health or voluntary sector. working in foundation stage) Visitor. NVQ Level 2 Children s Care, NVQ Level 3 Children s Care, Learning and Development. Learning and Development. 16

18 Job title Brief description of job Essential training/qualifications Desirable training/ qualifications as recommended by OFSTED in line with good practice and or other regulatory body recommended by Early Years and Childcare Service Foster Carer Someone who provides a home within Registered by social services NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care their own family for a child who is the Generally an induction course (Children and Young People) responsibility of the local authority. such as Skills to Foster. Child protection Paediatric first aid Behaviour management Food hygiene Health and safety HIV/AIDS awareness Equal opportunities Commitment to continuing professional development. Health Needs Leads a team of paediatricians and nurses Educated to degree level Equal opportunities Co-ordinator that provides dedicated first line health Registered and experienced nurse Commitment to continuing provision for children and young people. Extensive experience and professional development. knowledge of the physical, emotional and mental health needs of children and young people. Health Visitor A registered nurse or midwife with Registered and experienced Nurse Equal opportunities special training in assessment of health or Midwife Child protection needs. Their primary role is to promote Degree in Health Visiting is Health and safety health and prevent disease in all age normally taken after at least 1 Commitment to continuing groups. Activities include providing year s experience as a Registered professional development. advice, searching out health needs and Nurse or Midwife. mobilising resources to address such needs; carrying out developmental screening of children and providing health education programmes. Health Visitor s Assistant In primary healthcare teams, individuals NVQ Level 3 Children s Care, Equal opportunities such as nursery nurses work alongside Learning and Development or Child protection and under the supervision of health equivalent. Commitment to continuing visitors to agreed protocols. professional development IT and clerical skills. 17

19 Job title Brief description of job Essential training/qualifications Desirable training/ qualifications as recommended by OFSTED in line with good practice and or other regulatory body recommended by Early Years and Childcare Service Higher Level Teaching HLTAs compliment the professional work GCSE or equivalent in English Child protection Assistant of teachers by taking responsibility for and Maths. Behaviour management agreed learning activities under an agreed GCSE (Grades A-C) or a recognised Child development primary or system of supervision. This may involve equivalent in English and secondary planning, preparing and delivering Mathematics Inclusion training if working with learning activities for individuals/groups Training in relevant national children with special educational or short term for whole classes. They may strategies as appropriate, e.g. needs also be responsible for the management literacy, behaviour management Equal opportunities and development of a specialist area with Specialist skills in relevant Commitment to continuing the school and/or management of other curriculum or learning area, e.g. professional development (average teaching assistants. English as an Additional Language, 5 days related learning per year if There are four grant funded routes to ICT working in foundation stage) HLTA status. NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant Training in relevant National Strategies as appropriate, e.g. literacy, behaviour management Specialist skills in relevant curriculum or learning area, e.g. English as an Additional Language, ICT, SEN. Hospital Play Specialist A person who provides therapeutic play Level 4 BTEC Professional Diploma Equal opportunities programmes for children of all ages in in Specialised Play for Sick Children Child protection ward based playrooms, outpatients and Young People Commitment to continuing clinics, accident and emergency Experience of working with professional development. departments and intensive care units. children. They use play to prepare children for Registered with HPSET (Hospital hospital procedures, support families Play Staff Education Trust). under stress and contribute to clinical judgements through play-based observations of sick children. 18

20 Job title Brief description of job Essential training/qualifications Desirable training/ qualifications as recommended by OFSTED in line with good practice and or other regulatory body recommended by Early Years and Childcare Service Internal Verifier Someone who ensures consistency and V1 Unit (formerly D34) Internal Child protection quality of NVQ assessment through Verifiers Award Paediatric first aid monitoring and sampling assessment NVQ Level 4 Children s Care, Health and safety practice; ensures the recording of Learning and Development Ongoing occupational development assessment and verification activities Qualified Teacher or equivalent Managerial training meets awarding body requirements; HNC/HND Playwork or equivalent IT skills provides guidance and support to Supervisory/managerial experience Equal opportunities Assessors. Training and development Training and Development Lead experience. Body (TDLB) training qualifications SWiS. The TDA is looking upon SWiS Commitment to continuing as being the key initial qualification professional development for support staff and the model for Organisational skills. all qualifications come Level 4 is the minimum recommended level. Intervention Service Member of a team of social services Social services induction Equal opportunities Worker sessional workers who provide cover for Physical intervention. Child protection permanent staff (when required) in NVQ Level 3 Children s Care, children s residential homes, children s Learning and Development secure unit accommodation; or support Commitment to continuing carers/parents with looked after children professional development. in the community. May focus on one-to-one work or in a centre. 19

21 Job title Brief description of job Essential training/qualifications Desirable training/ qualifications as recommended by OFSTED in line with good practice and or other regulatory body recommended by Early Years and Childcare Service Learning Support Someone who works within a family No formal qualifications essential CACHE Level 3 Childcare and Assistant centre or infant / junior / primary / but ability to interact well with Education Diploma (formerly NNEB) secondary / special school supporting both individual and groups of NVQ Level 3 Children s Care, children / teaching staff in a variety of children and to communicate Learning and Development ways. Tasks include helpline with basic clearly is an advantage Learning Support Certificate, City arithmetic and reading; providing extra Qualifications become essential at and Guilds support for non-english speakers or for higher grades as shown in the NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care those with learning difficulties. Posts are Desirable training/qualifications (Children and Young People) graded 1 5; 1 being an unqualified column. CACHE Level 3 Certificate of position and 5 usually being an Professional Development in Work experienced, well-qualified person (who with Children and Young People may work on a one-to-one basis with Certificate in Learning Support children with special needs). NVQ Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant CLANSA Certificate in Literacy and Numeracy Child protection Paediatric first aid HIV/Aids awareness Special needs experience Equal opportunities Commitment to continuing professional development (average 5 days related learning per year if working in foundation stage) GCSE (Grades A-C) in English and mathematics or a recognised equivalent. 20

22 Job title Brief description of job Essential training/qualifications Desirable training/ qualifications as recommended by OFSTED in line with good practice and or other regulatory body recommended by Early Years and Childcare Service Maternity Nurse Maternity nurses are not necessarily Generally NVQ Level 3 Children s Paediatric first aid nurses. They are often very experienced Care, Learning and Development Health and safety nannies, who care for newborn babies in or equivalent Child protection the family home and offer support to Experience with newborns is Equal opportunities parents, carrying out duties such as essential. Medical nursing experience bathing, changing and feeding, both OCN Maternity Practitioner Award during the day and night. Positions often (Open College Network). occur in families with first babies or multiple births and tend to be short term often for only three to four months. Mealtime Assistant Someone who works within a school or No formal qualifications are Paediatric first aid other childcare provision, ensuring required. Child protection children s safety and well-being during Health and safety the lunch break. NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Midday Supervision Behaviour management Mealtime Assistants Induction Course Equal opportunities Commitment to continuing professional development (average 5 days related learning per year if working in foundation stage) SWiS Level 2. Mentor A mentor supports learning and Training and development Facilitation skills development and may assist childcare experience Management training settings to achieve a quality assurance Experience of working within Equal opportunities scheme. the sector. Training and development Post Graduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring Practice Commitment to continuing professional development (average 4 days related learning per year if working in foundation stage). 21

23 Job title Brief description of job Essential training/qualifications Desirable training/ qualifications as recommended by OFSTED in line with good practice and or other regulatory body recommended by Early Years and Childcare Service Midwife Midwives provide advice and support Although this area of work is open Equal opportunities for families during the pre-conceptual, to all graduates, a midwifery Maintenance of a professional antenatal, intranatal and postnatal qualification such as a degree/ portfolio, with evidence of periods. They care for the newborn and diploma is essential. (Registered development, is required by the provide health and parenting education. nurses can do a shorter course) rules of the United Kingdom Central They work on a one-to-one basis but also HND entry to midwifery training is Council for Nursing, Midwifery and within a team, liaising with other health possible but applicants must have Health Visiting (UKCC) professionals such as GPs, health visitors five GCSEs including English Commitment to continuing and social workers. Activities include Language and Science (grade A-C) professional development. diagnosing, monitoring and examining Pre-entry experience is not needed women in normal pregnancy; identifying although experience of care work high risk pregnancies and making may improve your chances of referrals to doctors; supervising and being accepted on a shortened assisting mothers in labour and training course monitoring the condition of the foetus; Mature candidates with no formal helping mothers to establish breastfeeding academic qualifications but with relevant experience and skills can join an Access to Higher Education course Montessori Early Years Montessori qualified early years International Diploma in Equal opportunities Teacher practitioner, working usually in a Montessori Pedagogy. Anti-discriminatory practice Montessori or other early years setting. Child protection Montessori is a holistic approach that Commitment to continuing educates children physically, intellectually, professional development (average socially and emotionally. 4 days related learning per year if working in foundation stage). 22

24 Job title Brief description of job Essential training/qualifications Desirable training/ qualifications as recommended by OFSTED in line with good practice and or other regulatory body recommended by Early Years and Childcare Service Nanny Someone who provides childcare within a There are no legal requirements NVQ Level 3 Children s Care, family s own home which can fit in with for a person applying to work as a Learning and Development employer s working hours. This post can Nanny. CACHE Childcare & Education be a live-in or live-out position. Certificate (formerly NNEB) Child protection Paediatric first aid CRB disclosure form to be completed Food hygiene Health and safety Full driving licence Equal opportunities Commitment to continuing professional development. Nursery Assistant Someone working under supervision, At least half of all childcare staff NVQ Level 2 Children s Care, usually in a day nursery. must be qualified to NVQ Level 2 Learning and Development or equivalent appropriate for the CACHE Level 3 Childcare and care and development of children. Education Diploma (formerly NNEB) Certificate in Pre-school Practice Child protection Paediatric first aid Food hygiene Health and safety Equal opportunities Commitment to continuing professional development (average 4 days related learning per year if working in the foundation stage). 23

25 Job title Brief description of job Essential training/qualifications Desirable training/ qualifications as recommended by OFSTED in line with good practice and or other regulatory body recommended by Early Years and Childcare Service Nursery Nurse or Someone who works in a day nursery or CACHE Level 3 Childcare and Paediatric first aid Nursery Practitioner school with responsibility for a group of Education Diploma (formerly Food hygiene children under overall management of NNEB) Health and safety the Nursery Manager. NVQ Level 3 Children s Care, Child protection Learning and Development Behaviour management Edexcel BTEC National Diploma in Equal opportunities Early Years (formerly BTEC Supervisory training or Childhood Studies) or equivalent. qualifications at levels 3/4 CACHE Specialist modules Commitment to continuing professional development (average 4 days related learning per year if working in foundation stage). Nursery Teacher Early years / nursery teachers foster and A degree in education Child protection develop the abilities, social skills and A degree in any subject together Paediatric first aid understanding of children aged 3-5 years with a Postgraduate Certificate in Health and safety old. They focus on optimum child Education, with an early years Equal opportunities development and preparation for a specialism Good communication skills successful transition to primary school Qualified Teacher Status. An understanding of the needs education. and feelings of children Commitment to continuing professional development (average 4 days related learning per year if working in foundation stage). Outreach Worker Provides intensive intervention to prevent NVQ Level 3 Childcare, Early Years Computer literacy young people entering the care system. or Playwork qualification Child protection Works alongside Family Centre and CACHE Level 3 Childcare and Effective communication and Support Workers, and liaises with Education Diploma (formerly negotiating skills professionals. NNEB) Equal opportunities NVQ Level 3 Youth Work Commitment to continuing NVQ Level 3 Community professional development. Development Work. 24

26 Job title Brief description of job Essential training/qualifications Desirable training/ qualifications as recommended by OFSTED in line with good practice and or other regulatory body recommended by Early Years and Childcare Service Parent Educator/Trainer Facilities training for Parent Educators, TWP (Training for Work with Evidence of experience in working to deliver parenting education to Parents) core curriculum and TPE with parents and families practitioners, and parenting programmes (Training Parent Educators), Knowledge of counselling and to parents and carers, in line with, the accredited qualifications. listening skills requirements of the National Occupational Experience of Adult learning or Standards. teaching Commitment to inclusion. Parenting and Family Parenting support my be offered in a Qualification in TWP or working Good listening skills Support Worker variety of settings to assist with the towards the National Occupational Training in specific parenting and/ development of positive relationships Standards, which are the current or community building programmes between parents and children, aiming to benchmark for quality assurance facilitate increased awareness, skill and in parenting services communication in areas of parenting Parenting Facilitator training which are identified as causing difficulties. Parenting programme Facilitator of specific parenting TWP (Training for Work with Experience working with parents Facilitator from voluntary programmes or courses for parents and Parents), OCN or equivalent, and families independent or statutory carers, often working with parents accredited modules aligned to Counselling/coaching experience sector referred by agencies because their National Occupational Standards Empathy children are experiencing particular for Parenting Practitioners as Excellent communication skills behavioural difficulties. This role can also recommended by the National Ability to retain independent include 1 to 1 parent coaching, which Parenting Academy. stance. involves facilitating individual interventions with parents in need of support and guidance. Personal Advisor Someone who provides guidance and Fully qualified personal advisors Child protection (Connexions) support for young people aged must have a relevant Level 4 Paediatric first aid years. The work involves both the qualification Health and safety provision of basic information, advice Diploma for Connexions Personal Equal opportunities and guidance and more substantial Advisors. Commitment to continuing one-to-one support for vulnerable young professional development. people. 25

27 Job title Brief description of job Essential training/qualifications Desirable training/ qualifications as recommended by OFSTED in line with good practice and or other regulatory body recommended by Early Years and Childcare Service Playwork Assistant Someone working in a before and/or At least half of all staff must be NVQ Level 2 Playwork after school club, holiday play scheme or qualified to NVQ Level 2 or CACHE Certificate in Playwork adventure playground, usually for 4-14 equivalent. (formerly Take 10 for Play ) year olds. Playworkers are also sometimes CACHE Take 5 for Play employed in health settings and family Paediatric first aid or children s centres. Food hygiene Health and safety Commitment to continuing professional development. Playwork Leader Playwork leaders are responsible for NVQ Level 3 Playwork Child protection managing a team of staff and for the CACHE Diploma in Playwork Paediatric first aid operational development of a before (formerly Take 10 More ). Behaviour management and/or after school club, holiday play Food hygiene scheme or adventure playground, usually Health and safety for 4-14 year olds. Playworkers are also Equal opportunities sometimes employed in health settings Play Toolkit series and family or children s centres. Everyone Can Play Commitment to continuing professional development. Playgroup / Pre-school Someone who works within a playgroup/ At least half of all childcare staff Child protection Assistant preschool, usually on a part time basis, must be qualified to NVQ Level 2 Food hygiene working under the supervision of the or equivalent appropriate for the Health and safety Playgroup / Preschool Leader. care and development of children. Certificate in Pre-school Practice NVQ Level 2 Children s Care, Learning and Development Commitment to continuing professional development (average 4 days related learning per year if working in foundation stage). 26