Advice for those seeking work in Early Years
At Select Education we pride ourselves on providing a quality, total recruitment
service, basically we don't stop at just placing people into jobs! Our
dedicated consultants are there to offer support and advice to help find the
right job for you.
Childcare and education is a challenging and rewarding career, throughout which
you will play a key role in the development of children's social and academic
skills as well as helping to build their confidence. If you are planning a
career in childcare you will require an NNEB/DCE/Level 2 or equivalent/relevant
qualification in early years, however this isn't always essential with the
introduction of 'on the job' or 'employment based' training. If you are caring,
patient, responsible and above all, are passionate about working with children
you are already half way there! Saying this, you do need to consider that the
better qualified and/or experienced you are the higher your salary is likely to
be.
Here is a list of a few of the most popular courses available:
CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education (DCE)
This course is designed to prepare students to work as a Nursery Nurse with
children aged between 0 and 8 years. The course is made up of various modules
from child development and play to child protection and equal opportunities and
is split between studying at college and in practical placement through which
you are assessed continually. It is a 2 years course, although part-time and
accelerated versions are available, and successful completion will enable you
to work in area's such as education, day-care, special needs, hospitals, with
families (as a Nanny) or within the voluntary sector. You may also decide to go
on to further education.
CACHE Certificate in Childcare and Education (CCE)
The CCE is designed to prepare students wanting to work as a Nursery Assistant
and is a 1-year course. This course is a really good introduction for those
wanting to gain a qualification and experience within childcare and education
and successful completion will enable you to go on to the DCE.
For more information on either of these courses, you can use the links below to
visit the CACHE and other related websites.
NVQ Levels 2 & 3 in Early Years Childcare and Education
NVQ's are gained by being assessed on your performance at work (usually a 2 day
per week placement) by either a qualified assessor within the workplace or an
external assessor from a local assessment centre.
Other relevant courses are available through either colleges, on-line or
on-the-job training and more information can be found by clicking on the links
above.
Once you have gained your desired qualifications there are a number of opportunities open to you including:
- Independent Nurseries
- State nurseries and nurseries within schools
- Crèche's
- Pre-school and play-groups
- Childminding and Nannying
Supply work is an excellent way to get a taster of what's out there, have a go
at day-to-day, short or long term assignments in a wide variety of settings and
areas. No doubt you'll find a favourite and we can even help you to find
permanent work in your preferred field.
|