CHILDCARE QUALIFICATIONS There are dozens of childcare qualifications available in the UK. Working out which is which and what's best for you can be quite confusing. We have tried to cover all the most relevant courses here but for more information call the awarding bodies direct at the numbers below. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, recognized certificates or diplomas are awarded by the Council for Award's in Children's Care and Education (CACHE), as well as by institutions affiliated with the Association of Nursery Training Colleges. In Scotland, the Scottish Child Care and Education Board (SNNB) awards certificates of qualification. In addition, CACHE, SNNB and the Royal Society of Health offer post-certification qualifications. The main recognised childcare qualifications are:
CACHE are the Council for Award in Childcare and Education. They are a specialist body that develops courses and qualifications in child care. They have four roles;
CACHE Foundation Award in Caring for Children (CFCC) CACHE Level 2, Certificate in Childcare and Education (CCE) CACHE Level 3, Diploma in Child Care and Education (DCE) (Previously
known as NNEB)
CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Childminding Practice (CCP)Develops the knowledge and skills for those who are or are looking to become a registered childminder. Developed with the National Childminding Association (NCMA) CACHE tel: 01727 847636, website: www.cache.org.uk
A full time course that is the equivalent of the first two years of a degree or 240 CAT Points. The course focusses on management and senior positions within the child care field, such as starting a nursery or curriculum development and analysis, and is therefore most suitable for those who wish to enter a senior management or supervisory role either within a child care provision setting or a local authority position. There is no formal entry requirement but if you have any of following you would be at the right academic level; BTEC National Diploma Childhood Studies (Nursery Nursing). BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) Childhood Studies (Nursery Nursing). BTEC National Certificate Childhood Studies (Nursery Nursing) BTEC Higher National Certificate Childhood Studies (Nursery Nursing) The BTEC First Certificate BTEC: tel: 020 7393 4500. Website: www.edexcel.org.uk
NVQs in Early Years Care and Education NVQ's are assessed within the workplace where students have to prove that they have achieved a certain level of competence and capability. Students have to complete 15 modules and courses can take up to two years to complete: Candidate can take as long as they need to complete the award. You don't actually have to be in paid employment to be assessed for an NVQ - a voluntary worker could qualify. Crucially you have to be in a workplace setting. It's not what you know but what you do!
This is a qualification obtained by a childcare worker in a supervised role, e.g. a nursery assistant, playgroup worker a childminder, or an experienced but untrained nanny (ie a mother's help who went on to be a nanny. You must register with an NVQ accredited centre and start to gain the 'modules' required by being assessed at your work place. Eventually you will have a portfolio of 'evidence' to demonstrate ability and competence to the assessors. You will be assessed in eight core subjects which include 'Work with young children', 'Maintain the safety of children' and 'Maintain a child orientated environment.' You will also be assessed on one of four 'endorsements' which focus on the type of experience you have. Eg. You could choose:
A nanny would be likely to choose 'work with babies' or 'work in a pre-school group' and would acquire an NVQ in Child Care and Education (Work with Babies - level 2)
This can be obtained by professional childcare workers and could be considered
the equivalent of an NNEB. A childcarer undertaking this training shows
a commitment to learning about high quality childcare. An experienced
childminder or mother's help could apply to be assessed at this level. There are also five 'endorsements'
A nanny would choose Family Day Care to give her an NVQ in Childcare and Education (Family Day Care) level 3 The NVQ level 4 is undertaken by a childcare worker who would already be trained to management level - more academically challenging. It consists of three strands to choose from: Advanced Practice; Enhancing Quality and Quality Control; Management. Maternity Nurse Courses (NVQ level 3)
City & Guild City and Guild offers a range of vocational courses including Childcare
and Education NVQs to Level 2 and 3. The courses compete with CACHE courses
and are similar in content. C&G are ideal for those seeking a broader
base in childcare which would enable them to care for sick children or
handicapped children.
City and Guild: 020 7294 2468 website; www.city-and-guilds.co.uk
The Montessori Method is an internationally renowned qualification. It
is a method and philosophy that gives much more individual attention to
the child and his/her needs and encourages him/her to develop at his or
her own pace. It is a holistic curriculum that aims to develop the child
socially, intellectually, physically and emotionally.
Courses are changing all the time. The basics remain the same but the government are currently restructuring the whole framework of qualifications for those who want to work in the childcare profession. bestbear will provide you with the most up to date information, but if you'd like to know more check out the QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority), which is the body responsible for implemeting these changes at www.qca.org.uk
For further details of institutions offering recognised courses, students should contact the organisations listed below: Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education (CACHE) The National Childminding Association
Association of Nursery Training Colleges Royal Society for the Promotion of Health Montessori Centre International
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