Those working in nurseries, pre-schools etc...

[Posey]

what qualification do you have?
I am working in a pre-school, at present just as a helper, but would like to take some sort of course. Don't really know what to do. Any ideas?

[Auntymandy]

I used to work in pre schools and I wasnt qualified! but there are lots of courses. Mainly the nvq now I think. check your local collage.The local pre scholl learning alliance could help too

[mumeeee]

I have Level 3 CACHE Diploma in PLaygroup Practice in Wales. You don't need a level 3 to work in a nursery a level 2 will do if you are not in a sinior position.

[Tarynsmummy]

Hi Posey, my sister is a nursery nurse. She has her NVQ level 3. If your 25 or under your training should be free and employer should allow you to go to college one day a week. My friend (25)started at a nursery a couple of months ago (has since left because its not right for her)she was told she could do her NVQs through Surestart. According to Surestart you don't have to be qualified to work in a nursery as long as the ratio of qualifies to non-qualifies is okay. As for the level, my sister mentioned that working with different ages had something to do with it. Not sure exactly. Hope this helps

[LizP]

Our local playgroup likes to have all staff nvq3 qualified. There are grants to pay for the course and they take place for 3 hours a week in the evening plus about the same in homework. Why not ask the heqad of the pre-school?

[Posey]

Thanks for that.
One of the staff has just done the NVQ level 3, another is doing an OU course, another did something else. I had seemed to remember someone at pre-school mentioning a course from the pre-school learning alliance which sounded good, so I may check that out.
Thanks again.

[rarrie]

At my daughter's nursery every member of staff has to have at least a level 3 (nvq).