Why think about training?
There are very few employment opportunities that don't require you to do some training. Training can take many forms and you may not even be aware that you are doing training in your every day role, but you are. If you have a new electrical gadget you will need to learn how to use it and this is a form of training.
In the Early Years and Childcare sector there is an almost continual need to update knowledge and the easiest way to do this is to attend training courses – either 'in house' (on the job training provided at work) or on short 1 or 2 day events, on a 10/12 week course or a longer more formal course such as a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
So whether you have been in the Early Years and Childcare sector for more years than you care to remember or are just starting your career, now is the time to take a moment and think about your personal training requirements.
Everyone working in the early years and childcare sector will need to check that their existing qualifications are considered 'full and relevant' by checking them on the Children's Workforce Development Council website. When you have entered the details of your qualifications, you will see either a green tick or a yellow triangle against the title. The green tick means it is considered to be full and relevant and the yellow triangle means that you will have to do some additional training – either a recommended course or a full level 2 or level 3 qualification.
Whatever the outcome of the check outlined above, you should also be considering what other 'gaps' you may have in your qualifications, namely GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C or above. The current recommendation is that you should hold, as a minimum, a level 2 Certificate in Literacy and a level 2 Certificate in Numeracy, and be prepared to undertake the full GCSE courses at some point in the future, and definitely before you undertake any level 3 or above qualification.
If you have specific questions or would like to discuss your options please contact the Children and Young People’s Information Service (0800 169 8833 or 023 8083 3014) where staff will take your details and ask one of our advisors to contact you within 48 hours.
