Careers in Early Years and Childcare
Are you interested in a career in early years and childcare? There is a national shortage of qualified workers in the early years and childcare sector. The Welsh Assembly Government is currently running a national campaign to recruit childcare workers. The Children’s Information Service (CIS) can advise you of training courses and grants available for those wishing to work in this sector.
If you are interested in working with children, then this is the part of the website for you. It supplies you with ideas for training; funding options and plenty of contacts so you can start finding out what area of work suits you best.
There are so many qualifications available for you to access; before deciding on what to take it may be useful to gather an overview of what you will be able to do at the end of each qualification. Below is a quick overview; for a more detailed overview look at Early Years Education, Childcare and Playwork - the National Framework of Accredited Qualifications.
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Level 2 Courses
(e.g. NVQ, BETEC, CACHE)
Usually a one year course.
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- Baby Sitter / au pair
- Crêche Assistant
- Home Start Worker
- Mother's help
- Nursery Assistant
- Parent / Toddler Assistant
- Pre-School Playgroup Assistant
- Toy Library Assistant
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Level 3 Courses
(e.g. NVQ, BETEC, CACHE)
Usually a two year course. |
- Childminder
- Creche Leader
- Nanny
- Nursery Nurse
- Nursery Supervisor / Manager
- Pre-school Playgroup Leader
- Special Educational Needs Supporter
- Toy Library Leader
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| Level 4 Courses |
- Advanced Practitioner
- Development Officer
- Manager
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The Children's Information Service (CIS) has produced a series of leaflets which are available to download.
UP 2 U
Are you considering working with children as a career?
UP 2 U is a free childcare taster course for people who are considering joining the early years and playwork workforce. UP 2 U is a one day course and free childcare is available upon request. Each course includes:
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A presentation from the National Childminding Association
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A visit to an early years setting
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The opportunity to talk to staff from pre-schools and after school clubs
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Advice on training, becoming a volunteer and looking for work.
For further information:
01685 727400
CIS@merthyr.gov.uk