Childcare

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Child’s Play
Enjoy minding kids, but don’t know how to turn it into a career? A course in childcare could get you to the top of the class.

Nowadays, lots of parents have to work, which is one reason why the government is putting more money into pre-school education. This is creating lots more opportunities for people like you to work as childminders or in crèches, playgroups and nurseries. However, because parents want to be able to trust who’s looking after their kids, from October 2008 if you’re wanting to work in childcare you will need to be registered with an organisation called the Scottish Social Services Council. And that means you’ll need to have, or be studying for, a recognised childcare qualification.

EARLY LEARNING
Most Further Education colleges in Scotland run courses that lead to two levels of qualification in early learning and childcare. There’s the national certificate (NC), for which you’ll need at least four Standard grades (including English), and the higher national certificate (HNC) which is the next step up from the NC. Some colleges also have introductory or access courses that can act as a first step into the profession.

Before you begin any childcare course you’ll need to complete an informal interview. This is a chance for you to learn more about the course while the college staff can make sure that the course is the right choice for you. Helen Gormley, a senior lecturer in childcare at Reid Kerr College, explains: “We’re looking to see if they have the maturity to work with young children,” she says. “To see if they have good verbal communication skills and a bit of relevant experience.” Before you start the course you’ll also have a criminal records check carried out by an organisation called Disclosure Scotland.

NC and HNC each take a year to complete, full-time, but there are real differences in the level of study and what you can do afterwards. “If you get an NC you can be employed in childcare but only as a support worker,” explains Helen. “You couldn’t have any responsibility for children.” Going on to complete an HNC, though, lets you work as a play leader or nursery nurse and most employers will view you as being “fully qualified” to work with children.

“NC and HNC courses have practical placements – work experience – from day one,” adds Jan Watson, head of the Education, Care and Sports faculty at Langside College. “You also study child development, play and the theory behind working in early education and childcare.” Additional subjects at HNC level include health and first aid, nutrition, children’s rights, curriculum assessment and supporting disabled children.

NC courses include some practical assessments through the year, but qualification depends on passing a standard exam at the end. The HNC, which is the equivalent of studying at first year at university, is assessed through a combination of course work and practical projects.

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT
“Childcare is a growing and very flexible market,” says Jan Watson. “It’s a career that can meet the needs of your life, with many opportunities to step in and out of further training.”

Most importantly, though, you’re helping kids grow up to be the best they can be. What could be better than that?

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL

Working in childcare is:

funny: kids say the cutest things which can keep you
smiling for hours

busy: childcare is often hectic, but working hours
can be flexible

satisfying: you know you’re making a real difference
to how the kids will grow up

UPBEAT AND FUN TO LEARN
Cheryl Clark, 19, from Glasgow has known for many years that she wanted to work with children. “When I was 14 I did a course which introduced me to childcare,” she says, “and I did some work experience with infants. I absolutely loved it.”

So she applied for, and completed, an NC in early education and childcare at Langside College, before continuing straight on to the HNC course. She particularly enjoys the work placements, but was impressed by the way the whole course is delivered. “I liked the practical placements because they give you experience of what you’re actually going out to do,” she explains, “but you can also see how the theory links with the practice. The teachers really make it quite upbeat and fun to learn.”

On finishing her HNC Cheryl plans to spend the next two or three years completing a BA in childhood studies at university before working possibly as a child development officer. But she has no regrets about her choice. “You have to be aware that childcare’s not just about playing with children,” she says, “but it’s still fun and I highly recommend it.”

IS CHILDCARE FOR YOU?
“You need to enjoy working with children, have a lot of patience and a good sense of humour, and be reliable and responsible. You must have a mature approach to study because you are going to be showing an example to future generations.”
Jan Watson, Head of faculty, Education, Care and Sport, Langside College

LEARN AND EARN
There are other ways to get qualified – while earning some cash at the same time! If you get a job helping in childcare you can complete a modern apprenticeship (usually in three years) in early years care and education. This will give you a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) level 3, which lets you work in a supervisory role with children. Alternatively, if you’re under 18, you can first of all complete an SVQ at level 2 through Skillseekers, getting either paid their standard wage by the nursery or a training allowance (on average £75
a week) while on work placement.

Traditionally, childcare has not been highly paid, but this is slowly changing. Pay rates still depend on size and scale of employer, so the following should only be taken as a guide.

Full-time play assistant (private sector): £10,000 to £20,000
Full-time play assistant (local authority): up to £15,000
Nursery Nurse (private sector): £11,500 to £25,000
Nursery Nurse (NHS): £16,900 to £20,300
Nursery Manager (private sector): £21,000 to £30,000

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