Could it be me?
What experience and qualifications do I need?
If you are patient and enthusiastic, take responsibility seriously and have a sense of fun, you may have all you need to start your career in early years, childcare or playwork.
For some roles you can start with no experience or qualifications, but, for most roles it pays to get some voluntary experience and a full and relevant qualification. Experience and qualifications help you to make the most of your skills and enable better outcomes for the children you work with. After all, you’ll play an important role as you watch them grow and develop – socially, emotionally, physically, creatively and intellectually. Experience and qualifications will also help you climb the career ladder. You can train 'on the job' through modern apprenticeship schemes and part time attendance at college or study full time at college (if you are aged 16-18 years) for approximately 2 years. It is also possible to work and study at the same time through a Distance Learning provider such as National Extension College. Details of courses are available on their website.
I don't have any qualifications, will I get a job?
Some settings will employ you without qualifications; however, you must be prepared to undertake training whilst working. You should be aware that part-time qualification courses are offered in the evening and may require you to attend up to 2 evenings per week for approximately 1 year.
The Southampton Early Years and Childcare Partnership also offers free courses for people considering a career in early years, childcare or playwork. Some of these courses do not require you to be working with children.
What if I gained my qualification a considerable time ago?
If you have not been working in the sector recently, you will need to check that your qualification is still considered 'full and relevant'. You may check the validity of your qualification online. Other ways to keep up to date is to look at sector publications such as Nursery World, Practical Pre-school and Early Years Educator, and the websites of the Children's Workforce Development Council, National Childminding Association, Daycare Trust, Nursery World and Early Years Foundation Stage Forum.
You could volunteer in a local pre-school/nursery/after school club to gain some current experience and get a feel for what is happening locally.
What qualifications should I consider?
If you are just starting your career you should only consider qualifications that are on the Integrated Qualifications Framework (IQF) as these will have been deemed full and relevant by the Sector Skills Councils responsible for those working with children and young people.
Since September 2010, you are able to study a level 2 Certificate for Children and Young People's Workforce and a Level 3 Diploma for Children and Young People's Workforce. The usual entry point is level 2 and you should also hold, as a minimum, level 2 Certificates in Literacy and Numeracy.
Can I work part-time?
In the main the answer to this question is yes, however many pre-schools now provide an extended day, and your idea of part-time may be different to what is actually on offer. Nurseries are also able to provide some part-time opportunities. Part time employment is also an option for working in the out-of-school sector such as breakfast and after-school clubs and holiday play schemes.
Childminders are self employed and set their own hours of work, and this type of work may suit you.
What do I do next?
The Children and Young People Information Service (CYPIS) hold details of vacancies in the early years and playwork sectors in Southampton. Find out what opportunities are currently available. If you have a specific enquiry, staff at CYPIS (0800 169 8833) will take your details and ask one of our advisors to contact you within 48 hours.
