1. family and parenting
2. children

A Careers Guide to Working
with Children & Young People
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
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
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
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!
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.
2
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
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
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
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 1999.
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
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
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: www.bbc.co.uk/health/first_aid_action
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
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 0800 056 36 66. Courses run quarterly in locations
across Devon and are free of charge.
6
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Early Years and Childcare Service
Senior District Co-ordinators
Melissa Filby (Torridge & North Devon)
Telephone 01271 388901
Nikki Phillips (Exeter, East & Mid Devon)
Telephone 01392 385394
Sue Bolt (Teignbridge and South West Devon)
Telephone 01392 384926
Early Years and Childcare Service
District Co-ordinators
Kerry Thorne (East Devon)
Telephone 01392 385581
Vacancy (West Devon)
Telephone 01392 386951
Calendula Bowen (Mid Devon and part of West Devon)
Telephone 01884 257902
Workforce Development Worker
Heather Quance
Telephone 07815 185608
heather.quance@devon.gov.uk
Recruitment Administrator
Simon Twigg
Telephone 01392 385398
simon.twigg@devon.gov.uk
Connexions Cornwall and Devon
Connexions is a support service for young people aged 13–19.
Telephone 0800 975 5111
Jobseeker Direct
Part of Jobcentre Plus, providing information about
job vacancies and how to apply.
Open weekdays 9am – 6pm, Saturdays 9am –1pm.
Telephone 0845 6060 234
Nicola Wills (Exeter)
Telephone 01392 385380
Christine Andrews (Exeter)
Telephone 01392 385534
Tania Skinner (South Hams)
Telephone 01392 386072 or 01803 869372
Sandra Ackfield (North Devon)
Telephone 01271 388901
Becky Bayet (Torridge)
Telephone 01271 388901
Jackie Colby & Vacancy (Teignbridge)
Telephone 01392 384926
Please refer to the ‘Local Organisations’ section on page 59 for details of other agencies.
7
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
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:- www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/qualifications/index.asp
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 www.cwdcouncil.org.uk
and click on Projects
8
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
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
of year 1 of a degree course)
Level 4 NVQ
Managers, co-ordinators or specialist
practitioners
Level 5
Full Foundation Degree (The
equivalent of year 2 of a degree course)
Level 5 NVQ
Senior positions within workplace Multi
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
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
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
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
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
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Advisory Teacher
Pre-school 0–6 years (PSAT)
A teacher who works with children with
special educational needs, and their
families, both in their homes and in
pre-school settings.
0–18 years (SATS)
Specialist Advisory Teachers for the
visually impaired and those with physical
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.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Mandatory qualifications are
required for teaching children
with visual or hearing impairment
• Degree in education
• Degree in any subject together
with a Post Graduate Certificate in
Education
• Commitment to continuing
professional development
• Experience of working in
foundation stage
• Experience of working with
families.
Assessor (National
Vocational Qualification)
Someone who is qualified and
experienced (occupationally competent)
in childcare/early years/playwork who
assesses people undergoing NVQ
programmes in the workplace.
The assessor needs to be occupationally
competent in whatever field they are
assessing. e.g youth work, play work or
teaching assistants.
• Assessor Awards A1/A2
(formerly D32/D33)
• SWiS. The TDA is looking upon SWiS
as being the key initial qualification
for support staff and the model for
all qualifications come 2010.
To be a SWiS assessor you also need
the A1 award with an expert
witness providing the occupational
competence
• Qualified to the level equivalent or
above the award they are assessing
• Occupational competence in
childcare, early years, playwork.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Child protection
Paediatric first aid
Health and safety
Updating occupational competence
Experience in training and
development
IT skills
Equal opportunities
Commitment to continuing
professional development
Level 2 Maths and Literacy.
11
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
12
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Babysitter
Someone who looks after children within
the child’s own home on a casual basis.
• There are no legal requirements
for a babysitter.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Child Care Inspector
(Ofsted)
Child Care Inspectors carry out Ofsted’s
regulatory functions with regard to
childminders, full day care, sessional day
care, out of school care and crèches.
They are home-based for administrative
duties and work across a geographical
area. The role involves a substantial
amount of time spent with providers of
childcare and involves travelling to and
from settings.
• Excellent interpersonal and
organisational skills; able to work
under pressure without close
supervision, meeting deadlines
and priorities
• Experience and understanding of
dealing with sensitive issues and
handling confidential information
• Ability to analyse information
and present results clearly and
concisely with good IT skills
• Educated to degree standard
• Enhanced disclosure check.
• Experience of regulatory work in
the sectors and knowledge of the
relevant legislation
• Experience of inspection work
• Early Years Professional Status
Children’s Centre
Manager
Sure Start Children’s Centres provide
• NVQ Level 4 Children’s Care,
integrated multi-agency services to
Learning and Development
children under 5 and their families. They
(minimum requirement)
are a universal point of access for
• Educated to degree standard
integrated early years and childcare, family
within the fields of childcare,
support, health services, support into
education, social work or health
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.
References/known to the family
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.
• Experience in working with a range
of organisations to deliver services
to meet local need
• Commitment to continuing
professional development
• Early Years Professional Status.
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Children’s Nurse
A qualified nurse who plans and delivers
nursing care for children under the age
of 16 in hospitals and other settings.
Other tasks include assessing the patients’
nursing needs, considering their medical,
emotional and family circumstances.
Involves everything from nursing a sick
newborn to an adolescent road traffic
accident victim. Challenges are very
varied, with family care and support a
key element.
• A nursing qualification, degree or
diploma is essential for entry
There are shortened training
courses for graduates in life/social
sciences degrees
• Post-registration specialist
practitioner programmes.
• Child protection
• Equal opportunities
• Commitment to continuing
professional development.
Community Care Worker
Unqualified Social Workers who work in
a childcare team with children and
families. They contribute to making
assessments of the needs of children
and families
• Child protection
• Social services induction
• Under 21s may require A levels
and GCSE’s, but more mature
candidates may be considered on
experience.
• Equal opportunities
• NVQ Level 4 Health and Social Care
(Children and Young People) or
equivalent
• Commitment to continuing
professional development.
Crèche Manager
Someone who manages the day-to-day
running of a crèche. A crèche often runs
alongside a training course, meeting,
sports or shopping session.
• Paediatric first aid
• Child protection
• Child Care and Education Diploma
– CACHE (formerly NNEB), or
• NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development or
equivalent
• At least 2 years post qualifying
day care experience.
• CACHE Level 3 Management of
Early Years Practice (modular
programme)
• Food hygiene
• Health and safety
• CACHE Level 3 Advanced Practice in
Working with Babies (modular
programme)
• Equal opportunities
• Level 4 Childcare qualification
• 3 years day care experience (with 1
year in a senior position).
13
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
14
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Crèche Assistant
Someone who works in a crèche under
supervision.
• Enjoys working with young
children
• At least half of all childcare staff
must be qualified to NVQ Level 2
or equivalent.
•
•
•
•
•
Day Nursery Manager
A qualified person who organises the
day-to-day running of the nursery;
manages staff and any students on
placement; liaises with parents and
professionals and often manages the
financial and legal aspects of the
nursery.
• Childcare and Education Diploma
– CACHE (formerly NNEB) or
• NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development or
• National Diploma in Early Years –
Edexcel (formerly BTEC Childhood
Studies)
• At least 2 years post qualifying
day care experience
• Paediatric first aid
• Child protection.
• CACHE Level 3 Management of
Early Years Practice (modular
programme)
• Food hygiene
• Managerial training at Level 4
• IT skills
• Equal opportunities
• Commitment to continuing
professional development (average
4 days related learning per year
if working in foundation stage)
• 3 years day care experience
(with 1 year in a senior position)
• Degree in Childcare
• Early Years Professional Status.
Working with babies and under 3s
Crèche Assistant course
Child protection
Paediatric first aid
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).
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Early Years Practitioner
A qualified person working with early
years who is responsible for the daily
needs of the children in their care.
• Childcare and Education Diploma
– CACHE (formerly NNEB) or
• NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development or
• National Diploma in Early Years –
Edexcel (formerly BTEC Childhood
Studies)
• Experience of working with
young children
• NVQ Level 4 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development
• Equal opportunities
• Commitment to continuing
professional development (average
4 days related learning per year if
working in foundation stage)
• Paediatric First Aid
• Health and safety.
Early Years Professional
A graduate with considerable experience
working with 0-5 year olds, who has
achieved Early Years Professional Status.
Responsible for leading, planning and
implementing activities linked to the
Early Years Foundation Stage within an
early years setting.
• Degree (any subject)
• Early Years Professional Status
(training pathways ranging from
3-18 months, depending upon
experience)
• Mentoring skills
• Quality Improvement Programmes
• Leadership and management
training
• Commitment to continuing
professional development (average
4 days related learning per year if
working in foundation stage).
Early Years Teacher
A qualified teacher with an early years
specialism, working with children aged
3-7 years, usually within a school,
pre-school, nursery or children’s centre.
• Degree in Early Years Education
• Degree with Post Graduate
Certificate of Education
• Qualified Teacher Status.
• Post graduate early years
specialisation
• Equal opportunities
• Commitment to continuing
professional development (average
5 days related learning per year if
working in foundation stage)
Education Welfare
Officer (EWO)
EWOs deal with irregular attendance or
absence from school. Absences are
investigated and initiatives developed to
encourage and promote regular
attendance. They refer cases to other
statutory or voluntary agencies as
appropriate, write reports and prepare
evidence for legal action. EWOs provide
information and advice to parents,
teachers, employers and children
regarding regulations.
• High standard of general
education, usually to degree level
• Experience in education welfare,
education-based youth services
or social services preferred.
• Qualification in education welfare,
youth work, social work or teaching
• Appropriate further education
training
• IT skills
• Child protection
• Commitment to continuing
professional development
• Equal opportunities.
15
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
16
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Educational Psychologist
(EP)
Being both qualified and experienced,
EPs help to identify and work with
children who have difficulties with
learning or behaviour. They support
schools in raising achievement and school
effectiveness. EPs work with parents to
help resolve their children’s difficulties –
both at home and at school. They also
provide training, undertake research and
contribute psychological advice.
• British Psychological Society
accredited psychology degree
• Degree in Education
• Degree in any subject together
with a Post Graduate Certificate in
Education
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Masters Degree in Educational
Psychology.
• Equal opportunities
• Commitment to continuing
professional development (average
5 days related learning per year if
working in foundation stage).
Family Centre Manager/
Deputy Manager
Manages family centre and staff who
provide care and support for families.
Liaise with social services, childcare teams
and health visitors.
At least one of the following:
• Social work qualification
• Teaching certificate/diploma/
degree
• NVQ Level 4 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development
• Management qualification
Requirements vary depending on
whether in statutory or voluntary
sector.
• Equal opportunities
• Commitment to continuing
professional development (average
4 days related learning per year if
working in foundation stage).
Family Support Worker
May work with groups of families or on
a one-to-one basis with a family.
Provides play opportunities or childorientated group work. Families are
referred by social services or a Health
Visitor.
• Child protection (Foundation and
Advanced)
• Other requirements vary
depending on whether in statutory
or voluntary sector.
• NVQ Level 2 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development.
• Equal opportunities
• Commitment to continuing
professional development (average
5 days related learning per year if
working in foundation stage)
• NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development.
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Foster Carer
Someone who provides a home within
their own family for a child who is the
responsibility of the local authority.
• Registered by social services
• Generally an induction course
such as ‘Skills to Foster’.
• NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care
(Children and Young People)
• Child protection
• Paediatric first aid
• Behaviour management
• Food hygiene
• Health and safety
• HIV/AIDS awareness
• Equal opportunities
• Commitment to continuing
professional development.
Health Needs
Co-ordinator
Leads a team of paediatricians and nurses
that provides dedicated first line health
provision for children and young people.
• Educated to degree level
• Registered and experienced nurse
• Extensive experience and
knowledge of the physical,
emotional and mental health
needs of children and young
people.
• Equal opportunities
• Commitment to continuing
professional development.
Health Visitor
A registered nurse or midwife with
special training in assessment of health
needs. Their primary role is to promote
health and prevent disease in all age
groups. Activities include providing
advice, searching out health needs and
mobilising resources to address such
needs; carrying out developmental
screening of children and providing
health education programmes.
• Registered and experienced Nurse
or Midwife
• Degree in Health Visiting is
normally taken after at least 1
year’s experience as a Registered
Nurse or Midwife.
•
•
•
•
Health Visitor’s Assistant
In primary healthcare teams, individuals
such as nursery nurses work alongside
and under the supervision of health
visitors to agreed protocols.
• NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development or
equivalent.
• Equal opportunities
• Child protection
• Commitment to continuing
professional development
• IT and clerical skills.
Equal opportunities
Child protection
Health and safety
Commitment to continuing
professional development.
17
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
18
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Higher Level Teaching
Assistant
HLTAs compliment the professional work
of teachers by taking responsibility for
agreed learning activities under an agreed
system of supervision. This may involve
planning, preparing and delivering
learning activities for individuals/groups
or short term for whole classes. They may
also be responsible for the management
and development of a specialist area with
the school and/or management of other
teaching assistants.
There are four grant funded routes to
HLTA status.
• GCSE or equivalent in English
and Maths.
• GCSE (Grades A-C) or a recognised
equivalent in English and
Mathematics
• 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
• Child protection
• Behaviour management
• Child development – primary or
secondary
• Inclusion training if working with
children with special educational
needs
• Equal opportunities
• Commitment to continuing
professional development (average
5 days related learning per year if
working in foundation stage)
• 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
programmes for children of all ages in
ward based playrooms, outpatients’
clinics, accident and emergency
departments and intensive care units.
They use play to prepare children for
hospital procedures, support families
under stress and contribute to clinical
judgements through play-based
observations of sick children.
• Level 4 BTEC Professional Diploma
in Specialised Play for Sick Children
and Young People
• Experience of working with
children.
• Registered with HPSET (Hospital
Play Staff Education Trust).
• Equal opportunities
• Child protection
• Commitment to continuing
professional development.
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Internal Verifier
Someone who ensures consistency and
quality of NVQ assessment through
monitoring and sampling assessment
practice; ensures the recording of
assessment and verification activities
meets awarding body requirements;
provides guidance and support to
Assessors.
• V1 Unit (formerly D34) Internal
Verifiers Award
• NVQ Level 4 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development
• Qualified Teacher or equivalent
• HNC/HND Playwork or equivalent
• Supervisory/managerial experience
• Training and development
experience.
• SWiS. The TDA is looking upon SWiS
as being the key initial qualification
for support staff and the model for
all qualifications come 2010.
Level 4 is the minimum
recommended level.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Intervention Service
Worker
Member of a team of social services
sessional workers who provide cover for
permanent staff (when required) in
children’s residential homes, children’s
secure unit accommodation; or support
carers/parents with ‘looked after children’
in the community. May focus on
one-to-one work or in a centre.
• Social services induction
• Physical intervention.
• Equal opportunities
• Child protection
• NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development
• Commitment to continuing
professional development.
Child protection
Paediatric first aid
Health and safety
Ongoing occupational development
Managerial training
IT skills
Equal opportunities
Training and Development Lead
Body (TDLB) training qualifications
• Commitment to continuing
professional development
• Organisational skills.
19
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
20
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Learning Support
Assistant
Someone who works within a family
centre or infant / junior / primary /
secondary / special school supporting
children / teaching staff in a variety of
ways. Tasks include helpline with basic
arithmetic and reading; providing extra
support for non-English speakers or for
those with learning difficulties. Posts are
graded 1– 5; 1 being an unqualified
position and 5 usually being an
experienced, well-qualified person (who
may work on a one-to-one basis with
children with special needs).
• No formal qualifications essential
but ability to interact well with
both individual and groups of
children and to communicate
clearly is an advantage
• Qualifications become essential at
higher grades as shown in the
‘Desirable training/qualifications’
column.
• CACHE Level 3 Childcare and
Education Diploma (formerly NNEB)
• NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development
• Learning Support Certificate, City
and Guilds 7321-01
• NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care
(Children and Young People)
• CACHE Level 3 Certificate of
Professional Development in Work
with Children and Young People
• Certificate in Learning Support
• 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.
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Maternity Nurse
Maternity nurses are not necessarily
nurses. They are often very experienced
nannies, who care for newborn babies in
the family home and offer support to
parents, carrying out duties such as
bathing, changing and feeding, both
during the day and night. Positions often
occur in families with first babies or
multiple births and tend to be short
term – often for only three to four months.
• Generally NVQ Level 3 Children’s
Care, Learning and Development
or equivalent
• Experience with newborns is
essential.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Paediatric first aid
Health and safety
Child protection
Equal opportunities
Medical nursing experience
OCN Maternity Practitioner Award
(Open College Network).
Mealtime Assistant
Someone who works within a school or
other childcare provision, ensuring
children’s safety and well-being during
the lunch break.
• No formal qualifications are
required.
•
•
•
•
Paediatric first aid
Child protection
Health and safety
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
development and may assist childcare
settings to achieve a quality assurance
scheme.
• Training and development
experience
• Experience of working within
the sector.
•
•
•
•
•
Facilitation skills
Management training
Equal opportunities
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
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
22
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Midwife
Midwives provide advice and support
for families during the pre-conceptual,
antenatal, intranatal and postnatal
periods. They care for the newborn and
provide health and parenting education.
They work on a one-to-one basis but also
within a team, liaising with other health
professionals such as GPs, health visitors
and social workers. Activities include
diagnosing, monitoring and examining
women in normal pregnancy; identifying
high risk pregnancies and making
referrals to doctors; supervising and
assisting mothers in labour and
monitoring the condition of the foetus;
helping mothers to establish breastfeeding
• Although this area of work is open
to all graduates, a midwifery
qualification such as a degree/
diploma is essential. (Registered
nurses can do a shorter course)
• HND entry to midwifery training is
possible but applicants must have
five GCSEs including English
Language and Science (grade A-C)
• Pre-entry experience is not needed
although experience of care work
may improve your chances of
being accepted on a shortened
training course
• Mature candidates with no formal
academic qualifications but with
relevant experience and skills can
join an Access to Higher
Education course
• Equal opportunities
• Maintenance of a professional
portfolio, with evidence of
development, is required by the
rules of the United Kingdom Central
Council for Nursing, Midwifery and
Health Visiting (UKCC)
• Commitment to continuing
professional development.
Montessori Early Years
Teacher
Montessori qualified early years
practitioner, working usually in a
Montessori or other early years setting.
Montessori is a holistic approach that
educates children physically, intellectually,
socially and emotionally.
• International Diploma in
Montessori Pedagogy.
•
•
•
•
Equal opportunities
Anti-discriminatory practice
Child protection
Commitment to continuing
professional development (average
4 days related learning per year if
working in foundation stage).
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Nanny
Someone who provides childcare within a
family’s own home which can fit in with
employer’s working hours. This post can
be a live-in or live-out position.
• There are no legal requirements
for a person applying to work as a
Nanny.
• NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development
• CACHE Childcare & Education
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,
usually in a day nursery.
• At least half of all childcare staff
must be qualified to NVQ Level 2
or equivalent appropriate for the
care and development of children.
• NVQ Level 2 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development
• CACHE Level 3 Childcare and
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
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
24
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Nursery Nurse or
Nursery Practitioner
Someone who works in a day nursery or
school with responsibility for a group of
children under overall management of
the Nursery Manager.
• CACHE Level 3 Childcare and
Education Diploma (formerly
NNEB)
• NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development
• Edexcel BTEC National Diploma in
Early Years (formerly BTEC
Childhood Studies) or equivalent.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Nursery Teacher
Early years / nursery teachers foster and
develop the abilities, social skills and
understanding of children aged 3-5 years
old. They focus on optimum child
development and preparation for a
successful transition to primary school
education.
• A degree in education
• A degree in any subject together
with a Postgraduate Certificate in
Education, with an early years
specialism
• Qualified Teacher Status.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Outreach Worker
Provides intensive intervention to prevent
young people entering the care system.
Works alongside Family Centre and
Support Workers, and liaises with
professionals.
• NVQ Level 3 Childcare, Early Years
or Playwork qualification
• CACHE Level 3 Childcare and
Education Diploma (formerly
NNEB)
• NVQ Level 3 Youth Work
• NVQ Level 3 Community
Development Work.
• Computer literacy
• Child protection
• Effective communication and
negotiating skills
• Equal opportunities
• Commitment to continuing
professional development.
Paediatric first aid
Food hygiene
Health and safety
Child protection
Behaviour management
Equal opportunities
Supervisory training or
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).
Child protection
Paediatric first aid
Health and safety
Equal opportunities
Good communication skills
An understanding of the needs
and feelings of children
• Commitment to continuing
professional development (average
4 days related learning per year if
working in foundation stage).
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Parent Educator/Trainer
Facilities training for Parent Educators,
• TWP (Training for Work with
to deliver parenting education to
Parents) core curriculum and TPE
practitioners, and parenting programmes
(Training Parent Educators),
to parents and carers, in line with, the
accredited qualifications.
requirements of the National Occupational
Standards.
• Evidence of experience in working
with parents and families
• Knowledge of counselling and
listening skills
• Experience of Adult learning or
teaching
• Commitment to inclusion.
Parenting and Family
Support Worker
Parenting support my be offered in a
variety of settings to assist with the
development of positive relationships
between parents and children, aiming to
facilitate increased awareness, skill and
communication in areas of parenting
which are identified as causing difficulties.
• Qualification in TWP or working
towards the National Occupational
Standards, which are the current
benchmark for quality assurance
in parenting services
• Parenting Facilitator training
• Good listening skills
• Training in specific parenting and/
or community building programmes
Parenting programme
Facilitator from voluntary
independent or statutory
sector
Facilitator of specific parenting
programmes or courses for parents and
carers, often working with parents
referred by agencies because their
children are experiencing particular
behavioural difficulties. This role can also
include 1 to 1 parent coaching, which
involves facilitating individual
interventions with parents in need of
support and guidance.
• TWP (Training for Work with
Parents), OCN or equivalent,
accredited modules aligned to
National Occupational Standards
for Parenting Practitioners as
recommended by the National
Parenting Academy.
• Experience working with parents
and families
• Counselling/coaching experience
• Empathy
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to retain independent
stance.
Personal Advisor
(Connexions)
Someone who provides guidance and
support for young people aged 13-19
years. The work involves both the
provision of basic information, advice
and guidance and more substantial
one-to-one support for vulnerable young
people.
• Fully qualified personal advisors
must have a relevant Level 4
qualification
• Diploma for Connexions Personal
Advisors.
•
•
•
•
•
Child protection
Paediatric first aid
Health and safety
Equal opportunities
Commitment to continuing
professional development.
25
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
26
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Playwork Assistant
Someone working in a before and/or
after school club, holiday play scheme or
adventure playground, usually for 4-14
year olds. Playworkers are also sometimes
employed in health settings and family
or children’s centres.
• At least half of all staff must be
qualified to NVQ Level 2 or
equivalent.
• NVQ Level 2 Playwork
• CACHE Certificate in Playwork
(formerly ‘Take 10 for Play’)
• CACHE ‘Take 5 for Play’
• Paediatric first aid
• Food hygiene
• Health and safety
• Commitment to continuing
professional development.
Playwork Leader
Playwork leaders are responsible for
managing a team of staff and for the
operational development of a before
and/or after school club, holiday play
scheme or adventure playground, usually
for 4-14 year olds. Playworkers are also
sometimes employed in health settings
and family or children’s centres.
• NVQ Level 3 Playwork
• CACHE Diploma in Playwork
(formerly “Take 10 More”).
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Playgroup / Pre-school
Assistant
Someone who works within a playgroup/
preschool, usually on a part time basis,
working under the supervision of the
Playgroup / Preschool Leader.
• At least half of all childcare staff
must be qualified to NVQ Level 2
or equivalent appropriate for the
care and development of children.
•
•
•
•
•
Child protection
Paediatric first aid
Behaviour management
Food hygiene
Health and safety
Equal opportunities
’Play Toolkit’ series
’Everyone Can Play’
Commitment to continuing
professional development.
Child protection
Food hygiene
Health and safety
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).
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Playgroup / Pre-school
Leader
Playgroup leaders are responsible for
managing a team of staff and for the
operational development of the
playgroup/pre-school.
• NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development or
equivalent
• CACHE Diploma in Pre-school
Practice.
•
•
•
•
•
Police Youth
Intervention Officer
To co-ordinate and deliver specialist,
targeted interventions and services so
that offending or becoming a victim by
children and young people can be
prevented.
To work with schools and Educational
Welfare Officers to improve pupil
attendance and behaviour.
Promote Restorative Justice interventions.
Act as a “Specialist Problem Solver” by
providing advice and guidance to partner
agencies.
• Police Office
•
•
•
•
•
•
Paediatric first aid
Child protection
Food hygiene
Health and safety
Level 4 qualification in childcare,
early years or management (e.g.
NVQ Level 4 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development)
• Commitment to continuing
professional development (average
4 days related learning per year if
working in foundation stage).
Youth Intervention Officers’ Course
Restorative Justice trained
Problem solving techniques trained
CPT
Domestic Violence
Protective Behaviours trained
27
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
28
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Portage Worker
‘Portage’ is an internationally recognised
early intervention scheme for children
under 5 with special needs. The ‘Portage’
home visitor works in the child’s home
and in partnership with the family to
support the development of their
pre-school child with significant physical
and /or learning difficulties.
The ‘Portage’ support worker works with
and reports to a ‘Portage’ Pre-school
Advisory Teacher in order to carry out
and support Individual Education Plans
(IEPs) for individual children within the
home. The plans result from formal
assessment and aim to support children’s
development.
• The National Portage Association
requires all ‘Portage’ home visitors
to have completed the 3 day Basic
Portage Workshop and to be an
experienced early years worker.
There are no statutory training
and qualification requirements.
• Experience of working with children
under 5 years together with the
necessary personal qualities
• Health and safety
• Child development
• Equal opportunities
• Inclusion training
• Commitment to continuing
professional development (average
4 days related learning per year if
working in foundation stage).
Probationary Personal
Advisor (Connexions)
Someone with no qualifications but who
has experience as a personal advisor
providing guidance and support for
young people aged 13-19 years. The work
involves both the provision of basic
information, advice and guidance and
more substantial one-to-one support for
vulnerable young people.
• Relevant Level 3 qualification e.g.
NVQ Level 3 in Advice and
Guidance
• Diploma for Connexions Personal
Advisors.
• Level 4 qualification e.g. NVQ Level
4 in Advice and Guidance
• Diploma for Connexions Personal
Advisors
• Child protection
• Paediatric first aid
• Health and safety
• Equal opportunities
• Commitment to continuing
professional development.
Project Worker
There are many important government
initiatives such as ‘Sure Start’ and
‘Children’s Fund’ supporting projects that
need a variety of workers.
• Relevant qualifications specific
to job
• Equal opportunities
• Commitment to continuing
professional development.
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Registered Childminder
A person aged 18 or over who has been
registered with their appropriate
authority to look after one or more
children under the age of 8 for more
than a total of two hours a day in the
childminder’s own home for reward.
Childminders work on a self-employed
basis.
• CRB disclosure form to be
completed by all persons 16 or
over living or regularly present in
the household
• OFSTED vettings to be completed
• Paediatric first aid
• Foundation Childminding course
(within 6 months of registration)
A ‘Start Up’ Grant may be available
to assist with costs for those wishing
to become childminders – for further
information, and to see whether you
qualify, contact Devon Childminding
Association.
•
•
•
•
•
Social Care Worker
Social care workers provide people with
the practical support and help needed in
day-to-day living, helping them overcome
physical or psychological problems.
• None required.
• Level 2 NVQ Health and Social Care.
Social Worker
Social workers often work with people
experiencing crisis or people who are
socially excluded. Their aim is to provide
support to enable people to help
themselves. Qualified Social Workers are
often supported by Social Work Assistants.
They also work closely with other health
and social care staff.
• A degree in social work
• All Social Workers must be
registered with the General Social
Care Council (GSCC)
• Masters degree in Social Work
• Post Qualifying Award in Social
Work (PQSW)
• Advanced Award in Social Work
(AASW)
The GSCC is likely to launch a revised
Post Qualifying framework in Sept 07
• Commitment to continuing
professional development (average
4 days learning per year if working
in foundation stage).
Child protection
Food hygiene
Health and safety
Equal opportunities
NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care,
Learning and Development or
equivalent
• Accredited childminding programme
• Commitment to continuing
professional development (average
4 days related learning per year if
working in foundation stage).
29
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Special Educational Needs SENCOs have an interest and enthusiasm
Co-ordinator (SENCO) in
for special educational needs. They are
a non-maintained setting responsible for ensuring their setting
• An interest in special educational
needs.
• NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant
• Equal opportunities and inclusion
training
• Inclusion: SENCO Code of Practice
• Early Years and Childcare Service
SENCO induction
• Commitment to continuing
professional development (average
3 days related learning per year)
prioritising Area SENCO training.
Special Educational Needs A qualified and experienced teacher with
Co-ordinator (SENCO) in
an interest and qualifications in Special
a maintained school
Educational Needs. SENCOs have
• A degree in education
• A degree in any subject together
with a Post Graduate Certificate in
Education
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Excellent teaching skills and
experience.
• Post graduate qualification in special
educational needs
• Career progression is achieved
through middle and senior
management responsibility and
advanced teacher status.
Special Educational Needs Most work in mainstream schools, but can
Teacher
also work in special schools. They may
• A degree in education
• A degree in any subject together
with a Post Graduate Certificate in
Education
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Mandatory qualifications are
required for teaching children
with visual or hearing impairment
• Excellent teaching skills and
usually at least 2 years teaching
experience
• Child protection.
• Post graduate qualification in special
educational needs
• Career progression is achieved
through middle and senior
management responsibility and
advanced teacher status.
follows the requirements of the nursery
education grant with regard to The Code
of Practice, and are in regular contact
with their Area SENCO. They work
collaboratively with ‘outside’ agencies
(Health, Education and Social Services).
responsibility for managing the effective
delivery of the education psychology
service, learning support, behaviour
support, SEN assessment and
administration, and parental support. A
SENCO may be a member of staff of a
school who has responsibility for
co-ordinating SEN provision in that school.
In a small school, the headteacher or
deputy may take on this role. In larger
schools there may be an SEN co-ordinating
team.
work with children who are likely to have
a statement of educational need, who
may have emotional and behavioural,
communication, sensory or learning
difficulties.
30
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Teacher
A qualified teacher, working with children
of school age, usually within a primary or
secondary school
• Degree in Education
• Degree with Post Graduate
Certificate of Education
• Qualified Teacher Status
• SCITT
• Equal opportunities
• Commitment to continuing
professional development (average
5 days related learning per year if
working in foundation stage).
Teaching Assistant
Someone who usually works in a primary
or secondary classroom providing
different levels of support to individuals,
small groups or with whole classes. Posts
are graded at Scales 2-5 recognising
different levels of responsibility and
autonomy.
• Good levels of literacy and
numeracy
• Ability to interact well with
groups of children and on a
one-to-one basis.
NVQs are now accepted as a possible
route into teaching.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Child protection
Paediatric first aid
Behaviour management
NVQ Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant
City & Guilds Certificate in Learning
Support
Induction Training for Teaching
Assistants – primary or secondary
Child development – primary or
secondary
Inclusion training if working with
children with special educational
needs
Equal opportunities
Meet Higher Level Teaching
Assistant standards
GCSE Maths & English (or equivalent)
Teaching Assisting Foundation
Degree
BTEC Level 2 Teaching Assisting.
Maths and English qualification
being increasingly sought (not yet
essential - though could be in
future).
31
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Toy Library Worker
Someone who runs, supports and
develops a toy library.
• There are no formal training or
qualification requirements. Please
see ‘Desirable training/
qualifications’ column for The
National Association of Toy and
Leisure Libraries (NATLL) and Early
Years and Childcare Service
recommendations.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
32
Child protection
Paediatric first aid
Childcare or play experience
Introduction to Toy Libraries
CACHE Certificate of Professional
Development in work with Children
and Young People – Unit 16
(Supporting Children and Families
in Toy Libraries)
Quality Assurance in toy libraries
Using a database in your toy library
IT skills
Equal opportunities
Commitment to continuing
professional development
Volunteer Helper
Someone who helps within an early years
setting in a variety of ways on an unpaid
basis. Examples include running a
playgroup/pre-school; helping in a school
and volunteering in a hospital.
• No formal qualifications required.
•
•
•
•
Child protection
Paediatric first aid
Equal opportunities
Commitment to continuing
professional development.
Youth Support Worker
A person in a youth centre or youth
project assisting the lead, often a
professionally qualified youth worker, to
deliver the work undertaken with young
people.
• Formal qualifications are not
always required and there can be
local training provided to meet
minimum criteria.
•
•
•
•
Child protection
NVQ Level 2 or 3 Youth Work
Equal opportunities
Commitment to continuing
professional development.
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
Youth Worker
Someone involved with young people
(aged 11–25) in a wide variety of settings
– youth clubs, youth and community
projects, health initiatives e.g. teenage
pregnancy/drugs work, schools and
colleges, or street-based projects.
Working to employer’s policy, they aim to
redress inequalities and empower
individuals to take action on issues
affecting their lives including health,
education, unemployment and the
environment. Core/priority age range for
youth work is 13–19 years, with an
emphasis on preventing or addressing
social and educational exclusion.
Information and advice work is important
when working with adolescents and
young adults. There are growing links
with Connexions, youth offending teams
and other agencies.
• NVQ 2 for Assistant Youth Support
Worker and NVQ 3 for Youth
Support Worker, Senior Youth
Support Worker and Youth
Support Worker in charge
• Full time workers must be JNC
(Joint Negotiating Committee)
qualified (minimum 2 year diploma
– is now available part time and
by distance learning)
• Dip HE in Youth Work
• Foundation Degree in Youth Work
or youth and community work/
studies.
• Vocational related qualification
(VRQ) or NVQ Level 2 Youth Work
• First aid
• Child protection
• Equal opportunities
• Health and safety
• Commitment to continuing
professional development.
Youth Worker
(Street Based)
A Youth Support Worker or a professional
grade Youth Worker working in / or from
mobile units or working in outdoor
settings where young people choose to
congregate e.g. parks / streets / bus stops.
See Youth Support Worker and
Youth Worker entry
See Youth Support Worker and
Youth Worker entry
Youth Support Worker
(various levels available)
Someone working in a youth centre or
youth project supporting or delivering
work undertaken with young people.
Work is usually informal education but
will provide planned, purposeful and
progressive opportunities for young
people’s personal and social development.
• Local Education Authority workers
or projects funded by the LEA will
be required to undergo induction,
introductory you work training
and either level 2 or 3 NVQ in
youth work - depending on grade
and role of post.
•
•
•
•
Child protection
Health and Safety
Equal opportunities
Commitment to continuing
professional development.
33
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Job title
Brief description of job
Essential training/qualifications
as recommended by OFSTED
or other regulatory body
Youth Worker
(professional grade)
Someone managing a youth centre or
• A JNC youth & community diploma
youth project and delivering programmes
(degree only from 2010)
to extend opportunities for development,
enhance life chances, promote healthy
life styles and provide directly or indirectly,
support at times of change or crisis.
There are many qualifications available at each level, a selection of which are listed on the following pages. The
Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA) website provides more (www.qca.org.uk).
There are also various non-accredited courses that you can take which will contribute to your own
personal and professional development in the field of early years, childcare and playwork. Many
examples of these can be found in our Early Years and Childcare Service Workforce
Development Directory, and also our Childcare Careers and Qualifications Guide. Visit our
website at www.traintoworkwithchildrenindevon.org.uk for further information, or
phone the recruitment helpline on 0800 056 3666.
34
Desirable training/ qualifications
in line with good practice and
recommended by Early Years and
Childcare Service
•
•
•
•
•
Child protection
Health and Safety
Equal opportunities
Specialist training according to role
Commitment to continuing
professional development.
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Literacy and Numeracy – Skills for Life
High standards of literacy and numeracy are required for most career opportunities working with children and young people, especially for those jobs which
are directly involved in children’s learning and development. The details below outline some of the ways in which you can brush up on these skills, and who to
seek advice from.
Learndirect courses are flexible and tailored to meet each individual’s needs.
Courses use the latest online learning technologies and can be studied either at the library with tutor support or at home with online support, or even a
mixture of the two. The English Level 1and Maths Level 1 courses are broken into bite sized chunks in order for you to learn at your own pace.
English National Qualification
The subject areas include: Speaking and Listening, Writing and Reading, with supplementary courses in Spelling and Grammar. At the end of the course
participants can take the National Certificate in Adult Literacy Level 1.
Maths National Qualification
The subject areas include: Numbers, Measuring Shape and Space, Handling Data, Fractions,
Decimals and Percentages.
Entry Level/Target Audience
Skills assessment will be undertaken.
Accreditation/Qualification
OCR
Duration
20-25 hours approximately. Learning is flexible and can be started at any time.
35
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Level 1 National Test in Adult Literacy and Numeracy
The National Qualifications are 40-question multiple choice tests. These can be taken online where an immediate result can be given or on paper where
results will be sent back in two weeks. These tests are taken in the Centre in a comfortable environment and can be taken on a weekly basis. Fast track days
occur on Fridays where it is possible to take an assessment, a practice test and the National test.
Entry Level/Target Audience
Open to anyone.
Accreditation/Qualification
OCR
Duration
1 hour for English
1 hour 15 minutes for Maths
For more information about these and other related courses, please contact
Learndirect on 0800 101 901 or go online at www.learndirect.co.uk
36
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Level 1 Introductory courses and qualifications
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
CACHE Foundation
Award in Caring
for Children
Mainly 16–19
years considering
a career in
childcare
None
1 year
350 hours, including
90 hours of work
experience
Unit assessment
(multiple choice)
CACHE Certificate in
Unqualified assistants
Childcare and
in a range of settings
Education.
under supervision
NVQ Level 2 Children’s
Care, Learning and
Development
Getting Started in a
Pre-school Setting
Those new to
pre-school work
None
20 hours / 10 weeks
Assessment
through 5 short
tasks
Certificate in
Those starting or
Pre-school Practice.
wishing to work in a
NVQ Level 2 Children’s pre-school setting
Care Learning and
Development
BTEC Introductory
Certificate/Diploma
in Health and Social
Care
14+ years
2 GSCE’s grade
D/E or Entry
Level 3
programme
1 year
Coursework and
practical projects
BTEC First Certificate/
Diploma in Health
and Social Care
Childcare and health
settings at unqualified
status
Take 5 For Play
Those with little
or no experience
in playwork
None
15 hours - tutor-led
10 hours - visits to
different play
settings
Reflective diary
kept during visits
to play settings
NVQ Level 2 Playwork
or Certificate in
Playwork
Out of school clubs/
holiday playschemes
37
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Level 2 Qualifications
38
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
NVQ Level 2
Children’s Care,
Learning and
Development
All
None
Flexible roll on/off.
Can attend part time
course if required
Normally 1 year
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment.
Portfolio and
practical work
NVQ Level 3 Children’s
Care, Learning and
Development
Other Level 3
Qualifications
Assistant in a nursery,
pre-school, playgroup,
crèche or school.
Nanny
CACHE Level 2
Certificate in
Childcare and
Education
Mainly 16 –19 years 4 GCSE grades
D/E, including
English
Language
550 hours, including
practical work /
1 year full-time
Portfolio of work,
assignment,
multiple choice
question paper
and personal
development
profile
CACHE Diploma in
Childcare and
Education.
Other Level 3
Qualifications
Assistant in a nursery,
pre-school, playgroup,
crèche or school.
Nanny
CACHE Certificate in
Pre-school Practice
Anyone interested
in working in a
pre-school
None
240 hours part time
and practical work
placement
Unit assessment
CACHE Level 3
Diploma in
Pre-school Practice
Assistant at a
pre-school
NVQ Level 2 for
Teaching Assistants
All staff who work
in classrooms
supporting the
learning process
Classroom
experience
Flexible roll on/ off.
Can attend part
time if required
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment
Portfolio and
practical work
NVQ Level 3 for
Teaching Assistants
SWiS
Assistant in a primary
or secondary school
NVQ Level 2 Advice
and Guidance
People wanting to None
work in advice roles
Flexible roll on/ off.
Can attend part
time if required
Portfolio and
practical work
NVQ Level 3 Advice
and Guidance
Trainee personal advisor
NVQ Level 2
Playwork
Anyone working in
the 4–16 years age
range
Flexible roll on/off.
Can attend part time
course if required
Normally 1 year
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment.
Portfolio and
practical work
NVQ Level 3 Playwork. Playworkers in a range
Other Level 3
of out of school clubs,
qualifications
holiday clubs, youth
clubs, family and
children’s centres
None but must
have a
placement
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
NVQ Level 2 Health
and Social Care
16+
None
Normally 1 year
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment.
Portfolio and
practical work
NVQ Level 3 Health
and Social Care
(Children and Young
People)
Childcare and health
settings
BTEC First Diploma
in Health and Social
Care
16+
None
Normally 1 year
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment.
Portfolio and
practical work
NVQ Level 3 Health
and Social Care
(Children and Young
People)
Childcare and health
settings
BTEC First Diploma
in Children’s Care,
Learning and
Development
16+
None
Normally 1 year
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment.
Portfolio and
practical work
BTEC National
Diploma in Early Years
NVQ Level 3 Children’s
Care, Learning and
Development
Assistant in a nursery,
pre-school, playgroup,
crèche or school.
Nanny
City & Guilds
Progression Award
in Early Years Care
and Education
All
None
1 year part time
180 hours plus
120 hours practical
experience
Portfolio and set
assignment
Provides underpinning Variety of early years
knowledge fort NVQ
and / or childcare
Level 2 Children’s
Care, Learning and
Development
City & Guilds
Certificate in
Learning Support
Anyone wishing to
work with children,
young people and
adults with special
needs in schools
or similar
environments and
to help with basic
learning skills
No academic
entry
requirements
but should be
in paid or
voluntary work
supporting
groups or
individuals
1 year part time
The course consists
of three modules
including work
experience
City & Guilds Level 3
Introduction to
Delivering Learning
More specialised
courses, e.g. British
Sign Language and
Makaton
Schools and special
schools
39
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
40
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
Introductory Youth
Work Training
16+
NVQ Level 2
Youth Work
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
Must be
30 hours part time
working or
volunteering in
13 to 19’s youth
work setting
Workbook and
interview
NVQ 2 or 3 in Youth
Work
Youth clubs and
projects
16+
None
Normally 1 year
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment.
Portfolio and
practical work
NVQ Level 3 Youth
Work
Youth clubs and
projects
NCFE Certificate in
Midday Supervision
Midday Supervisors
18 years and
above and
enjoy working
with children
10 -15 weeks
part time (30 hours)
Keep a diary and
be observed in
the workplace
Other school-based
employment or
higher level
qualifications
Midday Supervisor
in a school
Certificate in
Playwork
Volunteers and
staff working with
4–16 year olds in
their leisure time
Over 16 years
old with at
least 50 hours
playwork
experience
40 hours classroombased learning and
40–60 hours of
home study
One internally
marked
assignment plus
one externally
marked
assignment
NVQ Level 3
Playwork or other
Level 3 Playwork
qualification
Out of school clubs,
holiday clubs,
adventure playgrounds
and family or children’s
centres
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Level 3 Qualifications
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
NVQ Level 3
Children’s Care,
Learning &
Development
16 years and over
None
Flexible roll on /off
Can attend part
time course if
required
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment
Portfolio and
practical work
NVQ Level 4 Children’s As above
Care, Learning and
Development
Foundation Degree
(Early Years)
CACHE Diploma in
16 years and over
Childcare and
Education (formerly
NNEB)
Nationally recognised
qualification for day
care settings for
0 – 8 year olds
None
2 years full time
including work
placement
Module
assessment 3
short answer
papers
NVQ Level 4
Children’s Care,
Learning and
Development
Nursing Diploma
(with English and
Maths GCSE A-C)
Qualified Nanny
Nursery Nurse in a
primary school
Work with disabled
children in a range of
settings
Health Visitor’s
Assistant
Playleader attached to
a family centre or
children’s centre
Hospital work in a
children’s ward and/or
baby units
NVQ 3 Playwork
16 years and over
Those who
supervise other
staff
Experienced
playworker in
a playwork
setting
Flexible roll on/off
Can attend part
time course if
required
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment
Portfolio and
practical work
Advanced Certificate/
Diploma in Playwork
Foundation Degree
(Early Years) or
Playwork
Out of school clubs,
holiday clubs, adventure
playgrounds, family
and children’s centres
BTEC National
Diploma in Early
Years
16 –18 years
4 GCSEs at C or 2 years full time
above including Practical
maths if
placements
progressing to
teaching
Coursework
and exam
NVQ Level 4 Children’s The same as the CACHE
Care, Learning and
Diploma in Childcare
Development.
and Education
See also CACHE
Diploma in Childcare
and Education.
41
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
42
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
CACHE Level 3
Certificate in
Childminding
Practice
Childminders
18 years and
above
Introduction 12
hours, Developing
Childminding
Practice 60 hours,
Extending
Childminding
Practice 60 hours
A mixture of
continual
assessment and
written
assignments
through the 3
courses
BTEC Certificate /
Diploma in Early
Childhood Studies
Self-employed as
childminder in own
home
CACHE – Diploma
in Playwork
Experienced
playworkers
working in out of
school settings
Level 2
160 hours of guided
equivalent
learning and 120
At least 50
hours of home study
hours playwork
experience
CACHE Diploma in
Pre-school Practice
18 years and over
People working in
early years settings
Previous
childcare
qualifications
Working with
children/families
in a pre-school
setting
4 terms plus 150
Individual
placement hours
assessment – 4
Three core units plus assignments
2 optional units
gives a Level 3
qualification
BTEC National
Diploma in Health
and Social Care
(includes National
Award and
Certificate)
18 years and over
3 GCSEs at
Grade C or
above
2 years full time
3 assignments,
Progress to Level 4
one of which is
equivalent
externally marked qualifications as
above
Unit assessment
Out of school clubs,
holiday clubs,
adventure playgrounds,
family and children’s
centres
The same as the CACHE
Diploma in Childcare
and Education
Professional
Supervising role in a
qualifications in
range of childcare
health and social
and health work
work
NVQ Level 4 Children’s
Care, Learning and
Development
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
NVQ Level 3 Health
and Social Care
(Children and Young
People)
Foster carers and
people working in
children’s residential
settings such as
children’s homes or
special schools
Already caring
for children
and young
people aged
8-18 years
Flexible roll on/off
Can attend part
time course
if required
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment
Portfolio and
practical work
Progress to higher
awards in early years
care, play or teaching
e.g. NVQ Level 4
Children’s Care,
Learning and
Development
Residential settings,
children’s secure unit,
foster care, family
support work, play or
care settings with
children with special
needs, home
environments
NVQ Level 3 for
Teaching Assistants
All staff who work
in classrooms
supporting the
learning process
Classroom
experience
Flexible roll on/off
Can attend part
time if required
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment
Portfolio and
practical work
Assistant in a primary
Higher Level
Teaching Assistant
or secondary school
SWiS
Foundation Degree for
Teaching Assistants
NVQ Level 3 Advice
and Guidance
16 years and over
People looking
to work as a
personal
advisor
Flexible roll on/off
Can attend part
time if required
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment
Portfolio and
practical work
NVQ Level 4 Advice
and Guidance
Connexions
Probationary Personal
Advisor
NVQ Level 3 Youth
Work
16 years and over
People looking
to work with
11-25 year olds
Flexible roll on/off
Part time competency based
so training available
if required
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment
Portfolio and
practical work
Dip HE in Youth and
Community Work
Youth clubs and
projects
43
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Level 4 Qualifications
44
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
NVQ Level 4
Children’s Care,
Learning and
Development
People qualified to
Level 3 such as
experienced early
years childcare,
education or play
practitioners
working at a senior
level with children
or children with
their families
Early years
qualification at
Level 3 plus
relevant work
experience
Up to 2 years
Flexible roll on/off
Can attend part time
course if required
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment
Portfolio and
practical work
NVQ Level 4
Management
Primary and early
years education
degree
Foundation Degree
(Early Years)
Early years childcare,
play, managerial and
developmental posts
Diploma in Higher
Education (Dip HE)
in Youth and
Community Work
Senior Youth
Workers qualified
to level 3 or
equivalent and
already in youth
work
Level 3 Youth
Work or
equivalent
2 years full time or
part-time equivalent
Range of delivery
modes including
formal teaching,
distance learning
and work-based
learning
Foundation Degree
or BA (Hons) in Youth
and Community
Work or similar
Youth & Community
Diploma only available
as a degree from 2010
Youth coordinator,
trainer or development
worker in larger
settings or local
authorities
NVQ Level 4
Playwork
People in a
management,
senior practitioner
or quality and
development role
in the play sector
Level 3
Playwork or
similar plus
relevant work
experience
Up to 2 years
Flexible roll on/off
Can attend part
time course
if required
Direct observation
in the workplace
with assignments,
professional
discussions and
witness testimonies
Diploma in Higher
Education in
Playwork
Playwork degree
Manager of out of
school clubs, holiday
clubs, crèches, hospitals,
family and children’s
centres
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
(HND) Higher
National Diploma
in Playwork
Qualified and
experienced
playworkers
18 years and
over.
At least 1 GCE
‘A’ level with
supporting
GCSEs at Grade
C or above
NVQ Level 3
or equivalent
2 years full time
3 years part time
Practical
workshops and
assignments,
work experience
Diploma in Higher
Education in
Playwork
Playwork degree
Manager of out of
school clubs, holiday
clubs, crèches, hospitals,
family and children’s
centres
NVQ Level 4 Health
and Social Care
(Children and Young
People)
Specialist
practitioner with
extended skills,
responsible for
other workers
NVQ Level 3
Health and
Social Care
(Children and
Young People)
or equivalent
Supervision
experience
18 – 24 months
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment.
Portfolio and
practical work
Foundation Degree
in Health and Social
Care
Senior Healthcare or
Care Home Assistant
NVQ Level 4
Management
Managers with
more personal
responsibility than
a Level 3 supervisor
NVQ Level 3 in
Management
Management
experience
1 year
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment
Portfolio and
practical work
NVQ Level 5
Management
Early years childcare,
play, managerial and
developmental posts
NVQ Level 4 Advice
and Guidance
People wanting to NVQ Level 3 in 1 year
work in an advisory Advice and
capacity
Guidance or
equivalent with
experience
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment
Portfolio and
practical work
Foundation Degree
in Youth and
Community Work
Connexions Personal
Advisor
45
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
CACHE Level 4
Certificate in
Managing Quality
Standards in
Children’s Services
Experienced
practitioners
currently employed
at a setting
Level 3
60 hours (not all
qualification
within a classroom
i.e. NVQ Level 3 situation)
Children’s Care,
Learning and
Development
Evaluation and
practical work
NVQ Level 4/5
Management
Early years childcare,
play, managerial and
developmental posts
International
Diploma in
Montessori
Pedagogy
Students wishing to NVQ Level 3 or 1 year plus 420
become teachers of above including hours work
the Montessori
a degree
placement
method
experience
Course work
assessment,
written exam,
practical exam,
workplace
assessment
Foundation Degree
in Early Years NVQ
Level 4/5 Management
Primary and early
years education
degree
Early years especially
Montessori childcare,
education, managerial
and development posts
Montessori Teacher
Training Course
Students wishing to Qualification
become teachers of course open to
the Montessori
everyone
method
Twice weekly
seminars,
coursework,
written and
practical exams
Foundation Degree
(Early Years) or
Playwork
NVQ Level 4/5
Management
Early years especially
Montessori childcare,
education, managerial
and developmental
posts
Professional Diploma
in Specialised Play
for Sick Children
and Young People
A qualified person
wishing to work in
a health care setting
such as a Hospital
Play Specialist
BTEC National
1 year part time,
Diploma /
1 day per week
Certificate in
Nursery Nursing,
Relevant Level 3
Practical and
assignments
BTEC HND in
Advanced Practice in
Work with Children
and Young People
Early Years degree
Foundation Degree
(Early Years)
Children’s wards,
outpatients, accident
and emergency
departments or
children’s hospices
In management, 6-12 months
preferably with
a relevant Level
3 or equivalent
Designed to be
carried out whilst
in employment
Portfolio and
practical work
Foundation Degree in
Health and Social
Care
Management in social
care and health settings
NVQ Level 4 for
Aspiring managers
Managers in
in residential
Residential Childcare settings
46
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
1-1.25 academic
years –
approximately 4
terms
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Level 5 Qualifications
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
Foundation Degree
in Early Years
Early years,
childcare and play
practitioners
Diploma in Higher
Education (Dip HE)
in Playwork
Foundation Degree
in Health and Social
Care
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
Proven recent
1-2 years
study, qualified
at NVQ Level 3
or equivalent in
a related
subject. All
students will
need to have
considerable
experience of
working with
children aged
3-11 years
Range of delivery
modes including
formal teaching,
distance learning,
coaching and
work-based
learning
BA (Hons) Early
Childhood Studies
Early years childcare,
play, managerial and
developmental posts
People in the
playwork field
wanting a Higher
Education
qualification
2 GCE A Levels 2 years full time
NVQ Level 3/4
Playwork
120 UCAS tariff
points
Range of delivery BA (Hons) Playwork
modes including
or similar
formal teaching,
distance learning,
coaching and work
based learning
Playwork coordinator,
trainer or development
worker in larger play
settings or local
authorities
18 years and over
Trainee Assistant
Practitioner
Relevant NVQ 3 2 years full time or
or significant
part time equivalent
experience
Clinical
competency
assessments and
portfolio based
reflective work
Social care and health
settings
Specialised Assistant
Practitioner
Social Work or
Children’s Nursing
degree
47
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
48
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
BTEC Higher National
Diploma in Advanced
Practice in Work with
Children and Young
People / Families
18 years and over
Relevant BTEC
Qualified to Level 3 National
Experienced early
Certificate or
years childcare,
Diploma
education or play
Level 3 or
practitioners
equivalent plus
a minimum of 1
year’s recent
and relevant
work experience
2 years full time or 3
to 4 years part time
960 guided learning
hours
Assignments, case
studies, practical
exercises,
presentations,
portfolio evidence
2nd or 3rd year of a
relevant degree
depending on match
of units
Early years childcare,
play, managerial and
developmental posts
Foundation Degree
in Youth and
Community Work
18 years and over
wanting to work
with or already
working with
young people
aged 11-25 years
Relevant NVQ 3 2 years full time or
or equivalent
part time equivalent
Experience
considered
Range of delivery
modes including
formal teaching,
distance learning
and work-based
learning
BA (Hons) in Youth
and Community Work
Youth coordinator,
trainer or development
worker in larger
settings or local
authorities
NVQ Level 5
Management
Strategic managers
NVQ Level 4
Management
BA (Hons)
Management
Early years childcare,
play, managerial and
developmental posts
Flexible roll on/off
Designed to be
Can attend part time carried out whilst
course if required
in employment
Portfolio and
practical work
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Level 6 Qualifications
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
BA (Hons) Early
Childhood Studies
18 years and over
BA (Hons) Playwork
18 years and over
18 years and over
Social Work Degree
The General Social Care with experience of
Council provides
paid or unpaid
funding for students
social care work
not funded by
employers. The GSCC is
responsible for the
registering of all social
workers
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
‘A’ level/AS level 3 years full time or
Vocational ‘A’
equivalent taken
level.
part time
Non ‘A’ level
qualifications
also considered
Mature
applicants
encouraged
Assignments,
projects, practical
placements and
exams
PGCE Primary (Post
Graduate Certificate
in Education) can
lead to Qualified
Teacher Status
Education, health care,
social work, nursery
management, playwork
and community work
120 UCAS tariff 3 years full time
points
Distance Learning is
possible
Assignments,
projects, practical
placements and
exams
Graduate Diploma in
Playwork
Masters Degree in Play
and Playwork is being
developed
Play Development
Worker
Play Officer / Trainer
Specialist Play Worker
in hospitals, social
services or prisons
2 ‘A’ level
3 years full time
passes
Applicants will
be expected to
have had a
certain amount
of relevant
experience and
be expected to
demonstrate
their understanding of
what social
work involves
Coursework
assessment and
work-based
learning
Post Qualifying Award
in Social Work
Advanced Award in
Social Work
The GSCC is likely to
launch a revised post
qualifying framework
in September 2007
Statutory and voluntary
sector employment
opportunities within
social services
departments, child
protection,
management,
family and children’s
centres
49
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Course
Target group
Early Years Education 18 years and over
Degree (BEd)
50
Entry
requirement
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
3 ‘A’ levels.
3 years full time
Other Level 3
qualifications
with negotiation
and interview
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
Assignments,
projects, practical
placements and
exams
Post graduate studies
Teaching a range of
early years settings
including maintained
schools
Professional
Graduate Certificate
in Education
Early Years and Key Relevant degree 1 year full time
Stage 1 educators
GSCE Grades
A*-C in English
and Mathematics
Enhanced CRB
clearance
Assignments,
projects, practical
placements and
exams
Post graduate studies
Teaching a range of
early years settings
including maintained
schools
Qualified Teacher
Status
Graduates wishing
to be teachers
Relevant
degree
Satisfactory
health check
Enhanced CRB
clearance
Included within 1
year PGCE above
Individuals must
Post graduate studies
show they meet 3
standards for
teaching and pass
skills tests in
literacy, numeracy
and ICT.
Teaching a range of
early years settings
including maintained
schools
Early Years
Professional Status
Graduates who are
working with
children aged 0-5
A degree from
any discipline,
plus Grades
A-C in Maths
and English or
recognised
equivalents.
Length of study will
be determined by
initial assessment
of experience with
0-5 year olds. Study
can vary from
3-18 months.
Work placements, Teaching
written and verbal
assessments.
Children’s centres and
full day care settings,
e.g. nurseries.
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
BA (Hons) Youth and 18 years and over
Community Work
120 UCAS tariff 3 years full time.
points
Distance Learning
is possible
Assignments,
projects, practical
placements and
exams
Post Graduate
Certificate / Diploma
in Youth and
Community Work
Masters Degree
Youth coordinator,
trainer or development
worker in larger
settings or local
authorities
Degree in Children’s
Nursing
3 ‘A’ level
passes
Practical
placements,
assignments,
exams
Range of healthrelated opportunities
Hospitals and
community health
settings
18 years and over
3 years full time
51
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Level 7 Qualifications
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
MA Early Childhood
Studies
Those in senior
positions; specialist
professionals
Related degree
or equivalent
Level 6 course
2-5 years
Assignments, case
studies and
dissertation
Contribute to further
development of
research and policy
making
Manage and
co-ordinate the work
of a wide variety of
early years practitioners
National Professional Managers of
integrated
Qualification in
Integrated Centre
childcare centres
Leadership
Related degree
or equivalent
1 year
Assignments and
supported
research
Research for
Doctorate
Children’s Centre
manager
Graduate Diploma
in Playwork
Graduates of other
subjects who need
a qualification to
transfer into the
playwork field
Related degree
or equivalent
140-180 UCAS
tariff points
Flexible - studied
Assignments
part time by distance projects, practical
learning
placements and
exams
Childcare / playwork
research
Play Development
Worker/Coordinator
Play Officer/Trainer
Specialist Play Worker in
hospitals, or social
services
MA Social Work
Graduates in
Social Work
Social Work
degree
Relevant work
experience and
understanding
of social work
CRB enhanced
disclosure
2 years full time
Social Work research
Social Worker, eligible
for entry to the GSCC
Register of Social
Workers
Related degree
or by
negotiation
with university
10 days or equivalent Tutor lead
Specialist professional
in an early years
setting
Early years integrated
settings
Post Graduate
Senior managers of
early years settings
Certificate in
Leadership and
Management in Early
Childhood Settings
52
Assignments and
exercises
including
portfolio of
evidence and
dissertation
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
MA Education
Senior educators;
specialist
professionals
MA Youth and
Community Work
Postgraduate /
Masters Youth &
Community Work
Those in senior
positions; specialist
professionals
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
Related degree 1 year full time
or equivalent
Level 6 course
with experience
Essays and case
studies
Contribute to research
or furthering
educational career
National Professional
Qualification for
Headteachers
Senior positions within
educational
establishments or local
educational authorities
Related degree 1-2 years
or equivalent
Level 6 course
with experience
Assignments, case
studies and
dissertation
Contribute to further
development of
research and policy
making
Manage and
co-ordinate the work
of a wide variety of
youth projects
53
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Level 8 Qualifications
54
Course
Target group
Entry
requirement
PhD Childhood
Studies
Those in senior
positions; specialist
professionals
PhD Education
Those in senior
positions within
education
Hours of study
(may vary
depending on
place of study)
Type of
Assessment
Progression
opportunities
Employment
settings
Honours degree, Varies
usually upper
second
Combination of
examinations and
coursework
Contribute to further
development of
research and policy
making
Manage and
co-ordinate the work
of a wide variety of
early years practitioners
Childcare Research
Honours degree, 3-4 years full time
usually upper
Minimum 5 years
second
part time
Combination of
examinations and
coursework
Contribute to further
development of
research and policy
making
Educational
establishments and
Local Educational
Authorities
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Advice and guidance
Connexions Services Cornwall and Devon
Connexions Cornwall and Devon provides independent impartial information, advice and guidance for all
13 – 19 year olds.
Our purpose is to help engage all young people in learning and work. All young people have access to a
Connexions Personal Adviser whether that is through school or colleges, Connexions centres or in youth and
community groups. We provide information, advice and guidance about careers, education courses, training and
jobs, and other issues facing young people e.g. health, benefits, housing, relationships. Connexions brings together
other agencies and voluntary groups to plan coherent access to integrated services for young people.
Connexions Cornwall and Devon Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of
children and young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, and stakeholders to
share this commitment.
For more information visit www.connexions-cd.org.uk the local website, or
www.connexions.gov.uk the national website. Connexions also has an extensive
career guide on the website giving information on a wide variety of careers. The
link can be found at www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u and includes
information on job descriptions, entry qualifications, training, pay and
conditions etc.
55
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Next Step
This is the local name of the Information, Advice and
Guidance (IAG) Partnership that covers Devon, Cornwall and
the Isles of Scilly. It is their intention to ensure that everyone
over the age of 20 has access to a free information and
advice service delivered to nationally recognised standards
through a co-ordinated network. To book an appointment,
telephone 0845 850 5070.
The promotion of Information, Advice and Guidance is a key
element of the Government’s lifelong learning strategy which
aims to widen the number of people who take part in
education and training and to increase the skills of those in
or returning to work.
Next Step also has a website at www.nextstep-cds.org.uk
that can help people make a change, learn something new or
improve their skills. It includes a network of agencies that
give friendly and expert advice to assist in finding out about
learning and work opportunities in a particular area.
56
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Funding
Apprenticeship schemes
For 16–24 year olds (learner must start prior to 25th birthday), funding is available for employees to train and qualify.
Training is offered for apprenticeships, which also contain Key Skills and Technical Certificate plus employment rights and
responsibilities. If an employee is already employed and is 19 years and over, he or she is still eligible for funding.
For further information and answers to your questions, please refer to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) website:
www.lsc.gov.uk or contact: Connexions Cornwall & Devon Telephone 0800 975 5111.
Education Maintenance Allowance
Aimed at encouraging16 –18 year olds to further their education.
EMA is a weekly payment of £10, £20 or £30,depending on your household income. For further information
refer to the website: www.direct.gov.uk/ema or telephone 080 810 16 2 19.
New Deal options
A government initiative helping people back to work. On New Deal, every candidate has a
personal advisor as a point of contact throughout the whole programme. The personal
advisor takes the time to understand each person’s experiences, interests and goals so that
an individual plan can be prepared resulting in a suitable job being found. Various
options are available. Some of these are listed on the following page.
New Deal for Young People and New Deal 25 plus
For those aged between 18 and 24 who have been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for
six months or more. Employers receive a weekly subsidy of up to £60 for full time
employees and £40 for part time employees. In addition, up to £750 is available to
employers towards the cost of providing certified vocational training e.g. NVQ.
Participants in the New Deal for 18 - 24s and 25+ receive £15 per week in addition to
their benefits, if they are undertaking Work Based Learning.
57
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
New Deal 25 plus
For those who are aged 25 or more who have been out of work and claiming Jobseekers’
Allowance for over 18 months. A weekly subsidy of up to £75 for a full time post or £50 for a
part time post is paid for six months to the employer to encourage them to give a long term
unemployed person the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. The employee receives
the going rate for the job.
A Work Trial is also available to employers to take on candidates for a period of up to
three weeks at no cost. This offers a no-risk opportunity for both employer and employee.
The recruit would still be paid benefits and receive travel and meal expenses paid by
Jobcentre Plus.
Employment on Trial gives the confidence to start a new job, even if the employee is not
sure if it will work out, This is because it would not jeopardise any benefits if the
employee left the job, as long as it had been given a fair try.
Other New Deal options
Including New Deal for Disabled People, New Deal 50 Plus, New Deal for Partners, New Deal
for Lone Parents and New Deal for Musicians. If you have any questions about New Deal
telephone 0845 606 2626 7.00am to 11.00pm, seven days a week. Alternatively visit their
website: www.newdeal.gov.uk for further information.
Learning and Skills Council (LSC)
Funding is provided from the LSC via accredited providers for programmes leading to improved employability. In
particular, the LSC funds Apprenticeships for students under the age of 25. Contact: Local Further Education or
Community College. Alternatively visit their website: www.lsc.gov.uk
Department for Education and Skills (DfES)
Funding via local Early Years and Childcare Service.
Contact: Early Years and Childcare Service 0800 056 36 66.
Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA)
Devon County Council has grant funding fromm the TDA to suppor tcertain types of training: Higher Level
Teaching Assistants, SWiS, NVQ Assessor training.
Contact: Devon Curriculum Services (DCS) 01392 385252. Alternatively visit their websie
www.dcseducation.org/content.asp?did=3590
58
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Contacts
Regulatory authorities
Commission for Social Care Inspection
St Nicholas Building, St Nicholas Street,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1NB
Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED)
Alexandra House, 33 Kingsway,
London WC2B 6SE
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
83 Piccadilly,
London W1J 8QA
Telephone 0191 233 3600
Website www.csci.org.uk
Telephone 0845 6014771 (South West Region)
Website www.ofsted.gov.uk
Telephone 020 7509 5556
Website www.qca.org.uk
Children’s Workforce Development Council
3rd Floor, Friends Provident House
13-14 South Parade
Leeds LS1 5QS
SkillsActive
Castlewood House,
77-91 New Oxford Street
London WC1A 1PX
The Open University (OU)
PO Box 197,
Milton Keynes MK7 6BJ
Telephone 0113 244 6311
Website www.cwdcouncil.org.uk
Telephone 020 7632 2000
Website www.skillsactive.com
Skills for Care
Albion Court,
5 Albion Place,
Leeds LS1 6JP
Skills for Health
2nd Floor, Goldsmiths House,
Broad Plain,
Bristol BS2 0JP
Training and Development Agency for Schools
(TDA)
151 Buckingham Palace Road
London SW1W 9SZ
Telephone 0113 245 1716
Website www.skillsforcare.org.uk
Telephone 0117 922 1155
Website www.skillsforhealth.org.uk
Telephone 0870 4960 123
Website www.tda.gov.uk
National training organisations
Telephone 0845 300 6090
Website www.open.ac.uk
59
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
National childcare organisations
National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA)
Oak House, Woodvale Road, Brighouse,
West Yorkshire HD6 4AB
Telephone 0870 774 4244
Website www.ndna.org.uk
Pre-school Learning Alliance (PLA)
The Fitzpatrick Building
188 York Way
London N7 9AD
4Children
City Reach
5 Greenwich View Place
London E14 9NN
Telephone 020 7697 2500
Website www.pre-school.org.uk
Telephone 020 7512 2112
Website www.4children.org.uk
National Childminding Association (NCMA)
81 Tweedy Road, Bromley,
Kent BR1 1TG
Daycare Trust
21 St George’s Road,
London SE1 6ES
Telephone 0845 880 0044
Website www.ncma.org.uk
Telephone 020 7840 3350
Website www.daycaretrust.org.uk
National contacts
British Association for Adoption and Fostering
Saffron House,
6-10 Kirby Street
London EC1N 8TS
Adam Smith College
St Brycedale Campus,
St Brycedale Avenue, Kirkcaldy,
Fife KY1 1EX
Telephone 020 7421 2600
Website www.baaf.org.uk
Telephone 01592 223400
Website www.adamsmith.ac.uk
National Children’s Bureau
8 Wakley Street,
London EC1V 7QE
National Association of Toy and Leisure Libraries
68 Churchway,
London NW1 1LT
NCH for Children
85 Highbury Park,
London N5 1UD
Telephone 020 7843 6000
Website www.ncb.org.uk
Telephone 020 7255 4600
Website www.natll.org.uk
Telephone 0845 762 6579
Website www.nch.org.uk
National Youth Agency
Eastgate House,
19-23 Humberstone Road,
Leicester LE5 3GJ
Telephone: Switchboard 0116 242 7350
Email: nya@nya.org.uk General Enquiries dutydesk@nya.org.uk
60
Montessori Education (MEUK)
21 Vineyard Hill,
London SW19 7JL
Telephone 020 8946 4433
Website www.montessorieducationuk.org
Association of Police Authorities
15 Greycoat Place
London SW1P 1BN
Telephone: 020 7664 3096
Email: apa.info@lga.gov.uk
Website: www.apa.police.uk/apa
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Local organisations
Devon Association of Primary Headteachers
Charlie Werner, DAPH Link Officer,
DAPH Office, Ide First School, Ide,
Exeter EX2 9RN
Devon Social Services Foster Care
Devon County Council,
County Hall,
Exeter EX2 4QD
Voluntary Youth Services (Devon)
YFC Centre, Retail Park Close,
Marsh Barton Road,
Exeter EX2 8LG
Telephone 01392 410766
Telephone 01392 383808
Website www.devon.gov.uk/socserve/fostering
Telephone 01392 250976
Website www.vysdevon.org.uk
Devon Childminding Association
106 Milehouse Road,
Stoke,
Plymouth PL3 4DE
DISC (Devon Information on Services for Children)
Kingfisher House,
Western Way,
Exeter EX1 2DE
Workers’ Educational Association
Exeter Office, Bradninch Court,
Castle Street
Exeter EX4 3PL
Telephone 01752 202059
Website www.devonca.org
Telephone 0845 155 10 13
Website www.devon.gov.uk/disc
Telephone 01392 490970
Website www.wea.org.uk
Devon Curriculum Services (DCS)
Great Moor House,
Bittern Road,
Sowton, Exeter EX2 7NL
Devon Pre-school Learning Alliance
Palace Gate Centre,
3 Palace Gate,
Exeter EX1 1JA
Youth Support
Sun Court,
Wolborough Street,
Newton Abbot TQ12 1JJ
Telephone 01392 385352
Website www.dcseducation.org
Telephone 01392 435464
Website www.pre-school.org.uk/devon
Telephone 01626 202828
Devon Intervention Services
Brookhayes,
Pilton Lane,
Exeter EX1 3RA
Early Years and Childcare Service
Devon Early Years and Childcare Service
Kingfisher House, Western Way,
Exeter EX1 2DE
Devon Youth Service
Great Moor House,
Bittern Road, Sowton,
Exeter EX2 7NL
Telephone 01392 462544
Website
www.devon.gov.uk/index/cyps/youngpeople
Telephone 0800 056 36 66
Website
www.traintoworkwithchildrenindevon.org.uk
Telephone: 01392 382049
61
A Careers Guide to Working with Children Early Years and Childcare Service
Useful websites
www.connexions-cd.org.uk
Connexions – a free information and advice
service for young people aged 13 –19 years
www.doh.gov.uk
Department of Health
www.newdeal.gov.uk
A government initiative helping people
back to work.
www.daycaretrust.org.uk
National childcare charity
www.cwdcouncil.org.uk
Children’s Workforce Development Council
www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
NHS careers website
www.devon.gov.uk/disc
Devon Information on Services for Children
providing local childcare information
www.nextstep.org.uk
Next Step – a free information, advice and
guidance service for everyone over the age of 20
www.open.ac.uk
The Open University
www.devon.gov.uk/discplus
Special needs information for Devon
children and families
www.gscc.org.uk
General Social Care Council
www.qca.org.uk
Qualification Curriculum Authority
www.devon.gov.uk/early_years_and_childcare
Early Years and Childcare Service
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Jobcentre Plus offers help and advice
with finding jobs
www.skillsactive.com
The Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure
and Learning
www.dfes.gov.uk
Department for Education and Skills
www.learndirect.co.uk
National Learning Centre
www.skillsforcare.org.uk
National Training Organisation for
Personal Social Services
www.lsc.gov.uk
Learning Skills Council
www.worktrain.gov.uk
National jobs and learning website
www.dcseducation.org
Devon Curriculum Services
62
Children & Young People’s Services
Workforce Strategy Team
Kingfisher House
Western Way
Exeter EX1 2DE
0800 056 36 66
childrensworkforce-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
Produced by Devon Design & Print. 01392 382164 JN121004
This is printed on recycled paper
When you have finished with this document please
help the environment by putting it in your recycle bin.
One tonne of recycled paper saves – 17 trees, 32,000 litres of water,
enough electricity to heat an average house for 6 months and 27kg
of air pollutants