careers & qualifications in childcare

Transcription

1 careers & qualifications in childcare

2 common core of skills and knowledge The Common Core of Skills and Knowledge for the Children s Workforce is a framework that sets out the basics skills and knowledge required for people (including volunteers) whose work brings them into regular contact with children, young people and families. It enables a variety of professionals to work together more effectively in the interests of the child. The skills and knowledge falls into six main categories: Effective communication and engagement with children, young people and families Child and young person development Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child Supporting transitions Multi-agency working Sharing information Over time, everyone working with children, young people and families will be able to demonstrate a basic level of competence in the six areas of the Common Core. The Common Core will form part of qualifications for working with children, young people and families and will act as a foundation for training and development programmes run by employers and training organisations.

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5 working in childcare: is it for me? Working with children can be hard work and requires a large amount of energy and enthusiasm but can also be extremely rewarding. Flexibility and dedication are necessary qualities for anyone considering a career in childcare. You will need to undertake some form of training to work in childcare even if it is just an introductory course. In addition, you will have to have an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure and it is desirable to hold a paediatric first aid qualification (or essential to become a childminder). If you think you have the qualities to become an effective childcare practitioner, find out more by visiting If you are contemplating returning to work or are currently employed you may be eligible for tax credits. For further information please visit

6 different types of childcare providers There are a number of different types of local childcare provision available. For further information, please read the leaflet childcare in Torbay a quick guide produced by Torbay Early Years Play and Childcare Service. Alternatively, contact the Torbay Children s Information Service on Freephone Home-Based Childcare Childminding in Torbay You will be required to attend a two and a half hour pre-registration information session organised by the Local Authority. The session provides information to prospective childminders and nannies on the requirements of registration. An Ofsted application pack is also available. Diploma in Home-Based Childcare The Statutory Framework for The Early Years Foundation Stage (Source: DfES 2007) states that from September 2008 childminders must have attended a training course approved by the Local Authority within six months of registration. In Torbay, this is the CACHE Diploma in Home-based Childcare*. All childminders must also hold a current paediatric first aid certificate at the point of registration. Please contact the Workforce Development Team on for further information. Voluntary Childcare Register (VCR) People may choose to join the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register if they are caring for children: aged eight to 17 years aged from birth to under eight in provision that is exempt from compulsory registration, such as sports coaching in the home of one of the children, for children aged from birth to 17 years If you want to apply to join to go on the voluntary register you must apply to Ofsted. There is an application fee and in some instances you may be required to pay for a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) disclosure. You must also pay an annual fee for continued registration. You will need to hold a paediatric first aid certificate and be able to prove to Ofsted that you can meet their registration criteria. Further training may be required. For more information or to apply please visit the Ofsted website. *To find out more go to

7 careers in childcare Jobs include: Volunteer in any Childcare, Early Years or Playwork setting, Parent/Toddler Worker, those new to working with children ENTRY LEVEL/LEVEL 1 Getting Started in a Pre-School Setting Foundation Award in Caring for Children Playwork Induction Standard NCFE National Award in Working with Children Jobs include: Assistant Playworker, Pre-School Assistant, Creche Assistant, Day Nursery Assistant, Learning Support Assistant LEVEL 2 Certificate for Teaching Assistants Certificate in Pre-School Practice Certificate in Childcare & Education Certificate in Playwork NVQ Level 2 in Playwork NVQ Level 2 in Teaching Assistant NVQ Level 2 in Children s Care, Learning & Development Working with Children & Young People NVQ Level 2 in Childcare and Education Jobs include: Playworker, Out-of-School Club Supervisor, Pre- School Supervisor, Creche Supervisor, Nursery Nurse, Day Nursery Supervisor, Childminder, Special Needs Support Worker, Early Years Support Worker, Nanny, Special Needs Assistant, Community Nursery Nurse, Early Years Practitioner LEVEL 3 Diploma in Home-based Childcare NVQ Level 3 in Playwork Diploma in Playwork NVQ in Children s Care, Learning & Development NVQ Teaching Assistants Diploma in Pre-School Practice National Certificate in Early Years Diploma in Childcare & Education Certificate for Special Needs Assistants

8 Jobs include: Day Nursery Manager Out-of-School Club Manager Pre-School Manager Early Years Development Worker LEVEL 4 Advanced Diploma in Childcare and Education NVQ Level 4 in Children s Care, Learning and Development NVQ Level 4 in Playwork Professional Diploma in Specialised Play for Sick Children and Young People Jobs include: Children s Centre Manager Early Years Practitioner Development Worker Day Nursery Manager Out-of-School Manager Pre-School Manager LEVEL 5 Early Years Foundation Degree Playwork Foundation Degree HND in Early Childhood Studies Higher Level Teaching Assistant Foundation Degree in Youth Work Jobs include: Children s Centre Manager Early Years Professional Qualified Teacher LEVEL 6 BSC (Hons) Youth Studies/Youth Work BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) Playwork BSC Primary Education & Teaching QTS: Qualified Teacher Status EYPS: Early Years Professional Status N.B. Some qualifications listed above relate to specific job roles. Please ensure you check the relevancy of a qualification prior to applying for a job or a training course. Please visit qualifications database for up-to-date information.

9 Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) Early Years Professionals (EYPs) work in many of the diverse range of settings that make up the early years sector. They lead practice and are central to delivering a quality service to children and their parents. The Government recognises that access to high quality childcare is important for all parents and their children. The move to a graduate-led profession represents a transformation of the early years workforce. To drive this transformation, the Government have made it clear that their aim is to have an Early Years Professional in every full day care setting by 2015 and one in every children's centre by For more information about EYPS please visit the CWDC website or contact the Workforce Development Team at Torbay Early Years Play & Childcare Service on Funding The Local Authority is allocated funding from the Government to develop the childcare workforce. Funding may be available for the above courses. Please contact the Workforce Development Team on for further information. This training and qualification grid is correct at the time of production. The Early Years and Childcare sector is, like many other employment sectors, going through a period of progressive change. We are aware that future courses are being developed which will help learners to acquire transferable skills and qualifications to make the transition into other careers within Children s Services e.g. Schools, Social Care and Youth Services. The Children s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) has been tasked to lead on this area of integrated Careers and Qualifications and suggests details of this progress are researched to receive the most up-to-date information. The CWDC Website is

10 Useful contacts Torbay Early Years Play and Childcare Service T: website: Torbay Children s Information Service Freephone Childcarelink Department for Children, Schools and Families Children s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) CACHE Training and Development Agency for Schools (careers in education) Ofsted Social Care & Social Work Careers Information website Jobcentreplus Tax Credits T: Caretolearn Sector Skills Council NHS Careers