EYCESS_child care_careers pack 2010

Early Years, Childcare and Extended Schools Service2nd Floor, St. Mark’s House14 Upperton RoadEastbourneEast SussexBN21 1EP

Recruitment Helpline: 01323 747493

Getting copies of this pack in different formats:You can get all our publications in large print easy read format, in Braille, on audio tape or CD, or in other languages. They are also availablein PDF form, which you can download from our website at eastsussex.gov .uk May 2010

EARLY YEARS, CHILDCARE & EXTENDED SCHOOLS SERVICE

Childcare Careers Pack

FINAL COVERS 15/6/10 09:05 Page 3

IntroductionThere has never been a better time to consider working in Childcare.

Recent Government initiatives and national developments have led to a huge increase in the provision ofchildcare. With many improvements being made to the recruitment, retention, training and careeropportunities at all levels across the children’s workforce.

This means that there are more opportunities than ever before to work with children in East Sussex.

If you are looking for a career that is rewarding, varied, interesting and at times challenging, thenworking with children could be for you. Whatever role or route you might choose, you can be certain thatno two days will be the same. You will support children to explore, experience and develop anunderstanding of the world around them as they grow.

This career pack will….• Provide answers to some of the questions that you may have about working or gaining a qualification

to work with children. • Inform you of the services available from the East Sussex Early Years, Childcare and Extended Schools

Service.• Describe the range of childcare jobs available.• Identify training and qualifications currently available in early years, childcare and playwork. • Demonstrate how these courses and qualifications relate to various jobs in the sector. • Identify career routes• Include local and national childcare contacts.

The aim of this pack is to help you to make a decision about what interests you and to help you makeinformed choices about which jobs and qualifications may best suit your needs.

This guide also includes a list of services provided by the East Sussex Early Years, Childcare and ExtendedSchools Service which will help you start a career in childcare.


1

Whilst we have made every effort to ensure the information in this guide is up to date at time of print, we are unable to accept responsibility for the accuracy of the informationor any changes that may occur thereafter.

Contents

Our services..........................................................2

Why work in childcare? .........................................4

Have you got what it takes to work in childcare? ...5

Where could you work? .........................................6

Childcare job roles ..............................................10

Childcare training and qualifications...................18

Childcare career progression...............................20

Our ServicesFamily Information ServiceFor information on childcare, leisure activities,parenting and family support, and information onservices for children and young peoplethroughout East Sussex please contact the FamilyInformation Service, details given on the contactssheet in the back of the pack.

Childcare Vacancy List serviceThe vacancy list service advertises a variety ofdifferent childcare jobs across East Sussex, onbehalf of childcare employers. Each advertincludes details on the role, duties, requiredqualifications and skills, salary information, howto apply and the closing date. The adverts alsoinclude the employer’s contact details for you tocontact them directly to apply for a position. Thislist is updated on a fortnightly basis and isavailable in paper format or can be sent via email.The list is also uploaded on to the East SussexCounty Council website. If you would like toreceive a copy of the vacancy list and be added tothe mailing list please call the RecruitmentHelpline, number given on the contacts sheet inthe back of the pack.

Job Matching ServiceWhen you sign up to the vacancy list service wewill gather information on the type of childcarejobs you are looking for. This information willinclude where you would like to work, what hours,type of position and any existing childcaretraining you have completed. With yourpermission, we can then match your informationto vacancy information from employers. Thisservice is offered to all childcare employers whenthey have a vacancy to fill and allows theemployer to contact you with further informationabout their vacancy, if you match theirrequirements.

Volunteers ListThe volunteers list provides you with a list ofchildcare employers who are able to offer you avoluntary position. The list includes theemployer’s contact details for you to contact themdirectly to apply for the volunteer position

2


3


New Entrants coursesNew Entrants is a free childcare introductorycourse (apart from a refundable deposit) and isoffered around East Sussex at various locations,throughout the year. The course has limitedplaces and all course places are on a first come,first served basis. There are a variety of courseson offer during the year, these are offered eitherduring the day or evening.

Places on the course are available to anyone aged17 years or over, living within the East Sussexarea. The course is available to people who areinterested in working in childcare and have noprevious childcare experience or qualifications.

The New Entrants course offers you two courses inone, the Skillsactive accredited Making Choicescourse and one unit of an NVQ in childcare.Alongside the training you will also complete ashort voluntary work placement in a childcaresetting.

To find out more about the New Entrants courses,including where and when the next course will beorganised please call the Recruitment Helpline,number given on the contacts sheet in the back ofthe pack.

Childcare Training andQualifications informationand adviceTo find out more information on courses, advice onrelevant childcare qualifications and training andinformation on training providers in East Sussex,as well as funding for training please call one ofour Training Information Officers, numbers givenon the contacts sheet in the back of the pack.

Registering as a childminder orsetting up your own childcarebusinessOur Childhood Services team is on hand to give awide range of advice and one-to-one support toestablished childcare providers, includingchildminders, or anyone just starting out. You canget guidance on business, from starting uponwards. There's advice on funding, includinggrants and the Early Years Education Entitlement.Or, you can get help with understandinglegislation and the Ofsted process. You can alsoget the latest advice on how to improve standardsand deliver excellence. For more information callthe Childhood Services team, number given onthe contacts sheet in the back of the pack.

4


Why Work in Childcare?Children should have the best opportunities inlife to; Be healthy, Stay safe, Enjoy and achieve,Make a positive contribution and Achieveeconomic well being. (Every Child Matters -Department for Education and Skills (DfES) 2003)

For children to grow into healthy, safe, secure andeducationally-confident people, they need well-trained, caring, professional adults to supportthem and their families.

Working with children is definitely rewarding.Children’s natural curiosity, sense of wonder andenthusiasm for play and learning has a positiveeffect on the adults that work with them. Equally,children need adults who can bring the sameenthusiasm to these play and learningexperiences. You will need to be able to observeand record information on individual children’sdevelopment and progress. Whether you consider working with pre-school or

school aged children in a childcare setting, youwill work as part of a team to plan and provideplay and educational activities to help thedevelopment of the children in your care reachtheir full potential.

You will work closely with parents, carers, andother professionals to ensure that all childrenreceive the best possible start to their lives.

Making a considered choice about your career isvery important, especially when it comes toworking with children. Before you go any further itis important to ask yourself “Why do I want towork with children?’’

Have you got what it takes?If you have the right blend of skills andpersonal qualities a job working with childrencould be just what you are looking for.

A childcare career is open to everyone:• Men and Women of any age• Those wanting to return to work• People from all cultural backgrounds• Those looking to change career• People with disabilities

Caring for children requires a number of importantqualities. How many of these qualities do youhave (to list just a few)?

1. Do you have a genuine interest in children andtheir development? ��

2. Do you have a caring nature? ��3. Are you patient? (Children can be quite

demanding and you need to be tolerant oftheir behaviour) ��

4. Do you have a good sense of humour? ��5. Do you have good health and energy?

(Children are very energetic and keep you onyour toes) ��

6. Do you have good communication andlistening skills? (You will need to be able totalk to children in a clear and simple way andlisten to what they are saying. You will alsoneed to be able to communicate with parents,carers and other professionals) ��

7. Are you enthusiastic? (Children respond bestto a happy, friendly person) ��

8. Do you have good organisational and planningskills? (You may be asked to plan activities orkeep a record of a child’s development andachievements) ��

9. Are you happy to work as part of a team? ��If you answered yes to all the questions abovethen a childcare career may suit you.

All childcare practitioners are required tocomplete an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau(CRB) Disclosure and be registered with theIndependent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). Thisincludes volunteers and anybody who lives withor regularly visits a registered childminder.Childcare employers will complete these checks

before you begin employment or volunteeringwith them (alongside other employment checks).

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) This service enables organisations in the public,private and voluntary sectorsto make safer recruitment decisions by identifyingcandidates who may be unsuitable for certain work, especially work thatinvolves children or vulnerable adults. CriminalRecords Bureau applications require that youdeclare any convictions you may have.

You will need to provide various details includingany other names you have been known by and all addresses you have livedat (particularly in the past 5 years). You will alsoneed to show identity documents to prove youridentity.

Checks will made against records containingnames of people who have already been found tobe unsuitable to work with children and youngpeople.

Further information on CRB checks can be foundat www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk

Independent Safeguarding Authority(ISA) The ISA has been set up in partnership with theCriminal Records Bureau to help prevent unsuitable people from working withchildren and vunerable adults. All potentialemployees and volunteers need to register withthe ISA before starting their position. The ISAassesses every person who registers, identifyingthose who are unsuitable to register. The ISAregister will also help to identify any registeredpeople who becomes unsuitable and inform theemployer.

Further information on ISA registration can befound at www.isa-gov.org.uk

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6


Where Could You Work?In recent years, there has been a huge expansion inchildcare provision across the UK. There are nowmany different types of childcare, early years andplay environments to consider working in, some ofwhich are outlined below.

NurseriesA day nursery provides care, learning through playand education usually for children from 6 weeks to 5 years. Nurseriesundertake activities with the children to help themdevelop their social and learning skills, followingthe Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Thecurriculum is a vital part of children’s early yearsdevelopment and lays down foundations for laterlearning.

There are different types of nurseries: some run bythe independent and voluntary sector, some by theprivate sector, and some by the maintained sectorattached to or within schools.

They offer part-time and full-time places for childrenand may also offer out ofschool care for school aged children.

The majority of the nurseries are open everyweekday, all year round but this may vary e.g. someopen during term time only.

The working hours are generally flexible withinnurseries, there are opportunities to work full time,part time or term time only. As well as manynurseries offering casual hours and volunteeropportunities.

7


Pre-schools and playgroups

Pre-schools and playgroups provide care, playand education, usually for children aged between2 to 5 years.

Many are organised by community or voluntarygroups.

They offer sessions from two and a half, to fourhours. Like nurseries, pre-schools undertakeactivities in line with the Early Years FoundationStage curriculum.

Whilst many pre-schools and playgroups offercare on a part time basis during term time, manyare moving into offering extended full time care.

The working hours are generally flexible withinpre-schools and playgroups, there areopportunities to work full time, part time or termtime only. As well as many pre-schools andplaygroups offering casual hours and volunteeropportunities.

CrèchesA crèche offers care for children for short periodsof time. Creches are usually provided in a venue tomeet the specific needs of the people using thebuilding, such as a crèche within a college, sportscentre or shopping centre.

Crèches usually care for children from 1 to 8 yearsold and the work is sessional.

The working hours can be full time, part-time orterm time only. Casual hours and volunteeropportunities may also be available.

Out of School ClubsOut of school clubs are run before and afterschool, they include breakfast and after-schoolclubs.

Out of school clubs are organised on school sites,leisure centres, church halls, childcare settingsites, etc.

They give 4 to 16 year olds a safe and enjoyableplace to socialise with friends, play sports, takepart in activities or catch up on homework. Theactivities help children to develop socially,physically, intellectually, creatively andemotionally.

The working hours can vary depending on the setup of the club and the demand, hours arenormally part time and will be at the start and/orend of the school day, term time only. Casualhours and volunteer opportunities may also beavailable.

8


Holiday PlayschemesHoliday playschemes are run during the schoolholidays.

Holiday playschemes take place in communitycentres, leisure centres, church halls, local parks,etc.

They give 4 to 16 year olds a safe and enjoyableplace to socialise with friends, play sports or takepart in activities. They offer a wide range ofactivities to keep them busy such as sports,drama, arts, craft and music. The activities helpchildren to develop socially, physically,intellectually, creatively and emotionally.

The working hours can vary depending on the setup of the scheme and the demand, ranging fromfull time, part time or casual hours during theschool holidays. Casual hours and volunteeropportunities may also be available.

Schools offering extended servicesExtended services are activities for pupils, theirfamilies and others living in the community, whichtake place in and around the local school, oftenonce the school day has finished. Services caninclude homework clubs, parenting support andchildcare.

Schools work with other local schools andorganisations, such as youth groups and childcareproviders, to provide a core offer of services. Theaim is to give children and young people thesupport they need to achieve their full potentialand to help families and the local community getaccess to local services.

The working hours can vary depending on theextended services offered by the school.

Children’s CentresChildren’s Centres deliver a wide range of servicesin local communities for children and theirfamilies. Teams of multi-agency professionalswork together to ensure that children have thebest start in life. The services that are deliveredcould be different in each centre, depending onthe needs of the community it is based with.Services might include:

• Early education and childcare• Family support and outreach services• Child and family health services including

midwives, health visitors, speech andlanguage specialists

• Links with the jobcentre plus• Parental involvement• Training and learning opportunities

The working hours can vary depending on theservices offered by the children’s centre and therole taken.

9


ChildmindingRegistered childminders are professional childcarers, registered and inspected by Ofsted. Theyprovide quality care and learning opportunitiesfor other people’s children, in a family setting(usually the childminder’s own home).

Childminders are registered for up to six children(including their own) up to the age of eight. Butmay also care for older children as well, givingfamilies the flexibility to have all of their childrencared for in one place.

Some childminders employ an assistant or workwith another childminder in order to care for morethan six children, as long as their premises canaccommodate this.

As a childminder, the working hours can vary,often outside the standard 8.00am – 6pm day anddepend on the services you would like to offer forexample some offer overnight care

A childminding assistant may work casual, parttime or full time hours to assist the childminder.

There is support and training available through arange of different short courses to level 3qualifications and above , it’s not just a job but agreat rewarding career!

Home Childcarers and Childmindingfor over 8’s

Childcare which either involves caring for childrenin their own homes, (such as nannies and aupairs) or caring for children over 8 years old, doesnot have to be registered with Ofsted. Howeveryou can volunteer to be registered on thevoluntary part of the Ofsted childcare register.

The working hours will vary according to theneeds of the families and children you care for.

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ork

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lead

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dati

on S

tage

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rly

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ttin

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12


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care

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age

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ttin

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ager

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ome

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car

eer

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lay

deve

lopm

ento

r pl

ayth

erap

y.

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may

wis

h to

set

up y

our

own

child

care

pro

visi

on.

13


Child

care

Rol

e

Dep

uty

Man

ager

/S

uper

viso

rin

a:

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Urs

ery

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aygr

oup

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e-S

choo

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r Sch

ool

Club

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olid

ayPl

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hem

e

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her

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ress

ion

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mor

ein

form

atio

n on

beco

min

g a

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uty

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ager

/S

uper

viso

rpl

ease

cal

lthe

recr

uitm

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acts

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escr

ipti

on

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uty

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ager

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assi

stth

em

anag

er/s

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wit

hth

eir

task

s.

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ppin

g in

to th

e M

anag

er/S

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le in

thei

r ab

senc

e.

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ntia

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inin

g,Q

uali

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tion

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d Ex

peri

ence

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arly

year

sor

pla

ywor

kqu

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on a

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ove

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ting

type

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lyye

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ayw

ork

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type

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niti

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h yo

ur d

eput

yex

peri

ence

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u m

ayw

ish

to a

pply

for

am

anag

eria

l/su

perv

isor

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le.

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plet

e a

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ualif

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unda

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ree

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arly

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sor

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NVQ

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ssor

wit

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rthe

rtr

aini

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king

in a

n ea

rly

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ttin

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ou c

ould

als

o w

ork

tow

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yYe

ars

Prof

essi

onal

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tus.

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king

in a

pla

ywor

kse

ttin

g, y

ou m

ayw

ish

tosp

ecia

lise

in a

car

eer

in p

lay

deve

lopm

ento

r pl

ayth

erap

y.

You

may

wis

h to

set

up y

our

own

child

care

pro

visi

on.

14


Child

care

Rol

e

Assi

stan

tin

a:•

Nur

sery

• Pl

aygr

oup

• Pr

e-S

choo

l

Play

wor

ker

ina: •

Afte

r Sch

ool

Club

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olid

ayPl

aysc

hem

e

Furt

her

Prog

ress

ion

For

mor

ein

form

atio

n on

beco

min

g an

Assi

stan

tor

Play

wor

ker

plea

se c

allt

here

crui

tmen

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lplin

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umbe

rgi

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on th

eco

ntac

tssh

eeti

nth

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pack

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Rol

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escr

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stan

tsan

d Pl

ayw

orke

rsw

ork

aspa

rtof

a te

am to

pro

vide

hig

h qu

alit

ypl

ayan

d le

arni

ng o

ppor

tuni

ties

for

child

ren.

Assi

stan

ts/P

layw

orke

rsco

mpl

ete

in a

num

ber

ofta

sks

in th

eir

role

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e of

whi

ch a

re:

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eyhe

lp to

pla

n de

liver

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acti

viti

esta

king

into

acc

ount

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need

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ren.

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aise

wit

h pa

rent

s, c

arer

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d ot

her

prof

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onal

s.•

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rd o

bser

vati

ons

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ovid

e sa

fe, c

reat

ive

and

appr

opri

ate

play

oppo

rtun

itie

s•

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stch

ildre

n du

ring

mea

ltim

es.

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ntia

lTra

inin

g,Q

uali

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d Ex

peri

ence

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arly

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ese

ttin

g ty

pe).

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houg

h th

isis

note

ssen

tial

for

this

role

.

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ortu

niti

es

You

may

prog

ress

to a

man

ager

ial/

supe

rvis

ory

orde

puty

role

.

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may

wis

h to

com

plet

e a

high

er q

ualif

icat

ion,

suc

h as

a Le

vel3

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r Fo

unda

tion

degr

ee in

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lyYe

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ayw

ork.

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king

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pla

ywor

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g, y

ou m

ayw

ish

tosp

ecia

lise

in a

car

eer

in p

lay

deve

lopm

ento

r pl

ayth

erap

y.

15


Child

care

Rol

e

Key

Wor

ker

Spec

ial

Educ

atio

nal

Nee

dsCo

-ord

inat

or(S

ENCO

)

Furt

her

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mor

ein

form

atio

n on

beco

min

g a

Key

Wor

ker

plea

seca

llth

ere

crui

tmen

the

lplin

e, n

umbe

rgi

ven

on th

eco

ntac

tssh

eeti

nth

e ba

ckof

the

pack

.

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mor

ein

form

atio

n on

beco

min

g a

SEN

CO p

leas

eca

llth

ere

crui

tmen

the

lplin

e, n

umbe

rgi

ven

on th

eco

ntac

tssh

eeti

nth

e ba

ckof

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pack

.

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e D

escr

ipti

on

Sim

ilar

to th

e As

sist

ant/

Play

wor

ker

role

butw

orki

ng w

ith

one

or m

ore

child

ren

on a

one

-to-

one

basi

s.

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en th

isw

illbe

wit

h ch

ildre

n w

ith

addi

tion

alne

eds

that

need

ext

rasu

ppor

t.

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to e

ithe

r th

eAs

sist

ant/

Play

wor

ker,

Dep

uty

Man

ager

/S

uper

viso

r or

Man

ager

/Sup

ervi

sor

role

sbu

ttak

ing

a le

ad o

n sp

ecia

ledu

cati

onal

need

sfo

r th

e se

ttin

g.

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ntia

lTra

inin

g,Q

uali

fica

tion

san

d Ex

peri

ence

An E

arly

Year

sor

Pla

ywor

kqu

alifi

cati

on a

tLev

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ove

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ngly

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ttin

g ty

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h th

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note

ssen

tial

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role

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SEN

CO tr

aine

d

Opp

ortu

niti

es

You

may

prog

ress

to a

man

ager

ial/

supe

rvis

ory

orde

puty

role

.

You

may

wis

h to

com

plet

e a

high

er q

ualif

icat

ion,

suc

h as

a Le

vel3

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r Fo

unda

tion

degr

ee in

Ear

lyYe

ars

ofPl

ayw

ork.

Wor

king

in a

pla

ywor

kse

ttin

g, y

ou m

ayw

ish

tosp

ecia

lise

in a

car

eer

in p

lay

deve

lopm

ento

r pl

ayth

erap

y.

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to e

ithe

r th

eAs

sist

ant/

Play

wor

ker,

Dep

uty

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ager

/Sup

ervi

sor

or M

anag

er/S

uper

viso

r ro

le

16


Child

care

Rol

e

Trai

nee

Volu

ntee

r

Furt

her

Prog

ress

ion

For

mor

ein

form

atio

n on

trai

nee

posi

tion

spl

ease

cal

lthe

recr

uitm

ent

help

line,

num

ber

give

n on

the

cont

acts

shee

tin

the

back

ofth

epa

ck.

For

mor

ein

form

atio

n on

volu

ntee

rop

port

unit

ies

plea

se c

allt

here

crui

tmen

the

lplin

e, n

umbe

rgi

ven

on th

eco

ntac

tssh

eeti

nth

e ba

ckof

the

pack

.

Rol

e D

escr

ipti

on

Sim

ilar

to th

e As

sist

ant/

Play

wor

ker

role

buta

sa

trai

nee,

trai

ning

tow

ards

aqu

alifi

cati

on.

Oft

en a

trai

nee

role

will

invo

lve

som

eti

me

away

from

the

sett

ing

to a

tten

dtr

aini

ng.

Sim

ilar

to th

e As

sist

ant/

Play

wor

ker

role

buta

sa

volu

ntee

r, w

orki

ng o

n a

volu

ntar

y(u

npai

d) b

asis

.

Esse

ntia

lTra

inin

g,Q

uali

fica

tion

san

d Ex

peri

ence

Trai

ning

tow

ards

eith

er a

nEa

rly

Year

sor

Pla

ywor

kqu

alifi

cati

on, o

ften

atL

evel

2. No

spec

ific

qual

ifica

tion

sor

trai

ning

are

req

uire

d fo

r th

isro

le.

Opp

ortu

niti

es

You

may

prog

ress

to a

nAs

sist

ant/

Play

wor

kro

le.

You

may

wis

h to

com

plet

e a

high

er q

ualif

icat

ion,

suc

h as

a Le

vel3

, 4 o

r Fo

unda

tion

degr

ee in

Ear

lyYe

ars

orPl

ayw

ork.

Afte

r ga

inin

g ex

peri

ence

in a

child

care

set

ting

, you

may

then

wis

h to

app

lyfo

r a

paid

child

care

pos

itio

n.

Oth

er r

oles

, not

liste

d, w

hich

you

cou

ld e

xplo

re fu

rthe

r ar

e Co

mm

unit

yN

urse

ryN

urse

s, w

orki

ng in

you

r lo

cala

utho

rity

Earl

yYe

ars

and

Child

care

serv

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lyYe

ars

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her

and

a Ch

ildca

re T

rain

er o

r an

Ass

esso

r.

17


18


Childcare Training and QualificationsAlthough no qualifications are essential toembark on a career within childcare, more andmore employers are looking to recruit peoplewho have a qualification or are willing to qualifyonce working. It is therefore important torecognise this and be willing to further yourskills and knowledge through training.

High quality training for those working in thesector is absolutely crucial. Children need wellqualified people who have the expertise,sensitivity and experience to the support thechild’s development needs.

Childcare Introductory CoursesFor people that are at the beginning of theirchildcare career, especially those that have stillnot decided whether it is right for them, there arechildcare introductory courses available. Thenationally recognised orientation course, MakingChoices, allows people of all ages to explore theoptions available to them in childcare and helpthem to make an informed choice.

For further details about East Sussex’s childcareintroductory course, New Entrants, please refer tothe ‘Our Services’ section of this pack.

19


Childcare ApprenticeshipsFor people aged between 16 and 24 years there arechildcare apprenticeship courses available, pleasecall one of our Training Information Officers forfurther information on apprenticeships, numbersgiven on the contacts sheet in the back of the pack.

Childcare QualificationsThere are a range of relevant childcarequalifications offered through local schools,colleges and training providers. These courses canbe full time, part time, day release or distancelearning. Many of these qualifications can bestudied while you work, where you can gain aqualification at your own pace and assessed on theexperience you have.

Childcare qualifications are offered at differentlevels: • Introductory or Level 1 training courses are for

people with little or no experience of workingwith children and want to explore childcare as acareer option.

• Level 2 training courses are for people workingor on a placement in a childcare setting, underthe supervision of another childcare worker.Roles such as a trainee, assistant or playworker.

• Level 3 training courses are for people workingor on a placement in a childcare setting. Peoplewho work under their own initiative, plan andorganise their own work and possibly superviseothers. Roles such as deputies, supervisors andmanagers.

• Level 4 training courses or above are forexperienced childcare workers, often inmanagerial positions, who wish to completehigher level training for their own careerprogression or according to their role. Rolessuch as deputies, supervisors, managers andEarly Years Professionals.

Most people who are at the beginning of theirchildcare career will start with either a Level 2 or 3qualification, depending on their abilities. Fromhere they can then progress through the higherlevels of qualifications available. Many people whostart at a Level 2, will move on to a Level 3 next,followed by either a Level 4 or Foundation Degree(Level 5).

For those people who have completed a FoundationDegree, they can then complete a further yearsstudy to make it a full degree. They can alsocomplete further training in the Early YearsProfessional Status.

From September 2010, a new childcarequalification will be introduced, the Level 3Diploma for the Children and Young People’sWorkforce, which will have a number of differentmandatory and optional units to choose accordingto the type of work you wish to do within thechildren’s workforce. This new qualification willallow you to move around the different jobs withinthe children’s workforce such as early years,teaching, social care, etc, without having to repeatall the units again.

Courses are always changing, it is thereforeworthwhile calling one of our Training InformationOfficers for information on current courses,numbers given on the contacts sheet in the back ofthe pack. You could also contact your local trainingprovider for their courses.

Childcare Short CoursesWithin childcare there are many different shortcourses you can attend, however many of these arenot available until you start working in childcare.Some of these courses are important for your rolesuch as Paediatric First Aid, Child Protection, FoodHygiene, and Health & Safety. Other courses canhelp you with your career progression such asSENCO Training, Behaviour Management, PlayTherapy, etc.

Please contact one of our Training InformationOfficers for further information.

20


Childcare Career ProgressionThe children’s workforce is going through aperiod of reform, which is resulting in thesector finally getting the recognition itdeserves. The government are developing clearprogression routes for the children’s workforce,with the aim of increasing the qualificationlevel and professionalism across the workforce.

As a result of government investment in childcare,there are more career opportunities than everbefore available to you.

Whether you work or volunteer within thechildcare sector there are clear routes you cantake to gain qualifications, experience andknowledge, as well as progress in your career.

Most people who begin their childcare career startin a supervised position such as a nurseryassistant, playworker or trainee. They begin theirtraining at a Level 2 or 3 childcare qualification.

From a Level 2 or 3, there are clear routes achildcare worker can take to progress into higherqualification levels.

The grid within the ‘Childcare Roles’ section ofthis pack shows the career opportunities availableto specific roles in childcare settings.

With further training and experience, you can alsotake up more specialist roles such as Early YearsProfessional Status, SENCO roles, Key Workerroles, etc.

With a Level 3 qualification and two yearsexperience of working with children, you canapply for supervisory and managerial positionswithin childcare settings.

After gaining experience of working in a childcaresetting, you may want to explore opening yourown childcare provision, further information onhow to do this can be obtained by contacting theChildhood Services team, number given on thecontacts sheet in the back of the pack.

By gaining experience in childcare, you could alsowork for your local authority. All local authoritieshave departments who support the childcaresector. Roles within these departments may assistchildcare settings with the setting up and guidingof provision, writing policies and procedures,recommending and providing childcare training,supporting childcare workers start and progressin their careers and helping members of thepublic to access childcare. For the local authorityvacancies, please visit the local authority website,East Sussex County Council contact details aregiven on the contacts sheet in the back of thispack.

You can also look into moving from childcare intoother sectors that work with children and families,such as teaching, youth work, the NHS, socialwork and social care. For further information oneach of these sectors please see details on thecontacts sheet in the back of this pack.

Contacts SheetEarly Years, Childcare and Extended Schools Service contact details:

TEAM INFORMATION PROVIDED TELEPHONE EMAIL

Recruitment Team Childcare careers advice, fornightly Recruitment Helpline [email protected] list, volunteers list and 01323 747493New Entrants courses.

Training Information Officers Information on relevant childcare If you live in Eastbourne, [email protected] and qualifications, including Lewes or the Havens area:details on apprenticeships, funding 01323 747423and training prodiders If you live in Hastings, Rother

or Wealden area: 01323 747424

Childhood Services Information on how to become aregistered childminder or home 01323 463026 [email protected] carer and information on gov.uksetting up your own childcare provision

East Sussex Family For information of childcare, leisure 0345 60 80 192Information Service activities, parenting and family Monday to Friday familyinformationservice@

support, and information on services 9am-5pm eastsussex.gov.ukfor children and young peoplethroughout East Sussex

Please turn over for more contact details

Other helpful contact details:

ORGANISATION INFORMATION PROVIDED WEBSITE TELEPHONE

Adoption Provides information on adopting children www.adoption.org.uk 0800 783 4086

Apprenticeships Provides information and advice on www.apprenticeships.org.ukapprenticeships

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Provides information on CRB checks and www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk 0870 909 0811how to apply to register

Independent Safeguarding Provides information on ISA registration www.isa-gov.org.uk 0300 123 1111Authority (ISA) and how to apply to register

Job Centre Plus Provides information on local and www.jobcentreplus.gov.ukand national health service

NHS Provides information on a career in the www.nhscareers.nhs.uk 0845 606 0655national health service

Social Care Careers Provides information on a career in www.socialcarecareers.co.uk 0300 123 1100social care

Social Work Careers Provides information on a career in social work www.socialworkcareers.co.uk 0300 123 1100

Teacher Training Association Provides information on routes into teaching www.tda.gov.uk 0845 600 0991

The National Youth Agency Provides information on training and www.nya.org.uk 0116 242 7350qualifications in youth work

Please turn over for more contact details

EARLY YEARS, CHILDCARE & EXTENDED SCHOOLS SERVICE

Childcare Careers – Young Adults Pack

Early Years, Childcare and Extended Schools Service2nd Floor, St. Mark’s House14 Upperton RoadEastbourneEast SussexBN21 1EP

Recruitment Helpline: 01323 747493

Getting copies of this pack in different formats:You can get all our publications in large print easy read format, in Braille, on audio tape or CD, or in other languages. They are also availablein PDF form, which you can download from our website at eastsussex.gov .uk May 2010


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EYCESS_child care_careers pack 2010

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