How do you get qualified to work in creche/nursery?

[Chick Webb]

I know there is a lot of talk at the moment about qualifications for these jobs. Does that mean you don't technically need any? What would be a good/ideal qualification for seeking this kind of work?

 

[SpookyFrank]

I know there is a lot of talk at the moment about qualifications for these jobs. Does that mean you don't technically need any? What would be a good/ideal qualification for seeking this kind of work?

You need to be registered with Ofsted and have a valid DBS check, which I think are now transferrable if you've had one done for a previous job. Takes about 12 weeks for the paperwork to come through.

 

[Chick Webb]

I have the DBS because I used to be a reading partner at my lunch break at work.

 

[Manter]

Thora and Bears can advise

 

[Thora]

You need to be registered with Ofsted and have a valid DBS check, which I think are now transferrable if you've had one done for a previous job. Takes about 12 weeks for the paperwork to come through.

You don't need to be registered with Ofsted to work in a creche or nursery

 

[dishevelled]

CACHE

It's a council thing. I may be wrong.

 

[Thora]

I know there is a lot of talk at the moment about qualifications for these jobs. Does that mean you don't technically need any? What would be a good/ideal qualification for seeking this kind of work?

You don't need to be qualified (a certain proportion of staff need to be qualified, but not all, any warm body over 17 will do!) but if unqualified you'd be on minimum wage or less.

The most basic qualification is a level 2 NVQ. Level 3 NVQ is "fully qualified". You could also have a foundation degree, degree, qualified teacher status or early years teacher status. If you have QTS or EYTS the ratio you can work in with over 3s is higher, 1:13 children rather than 1:8 if you have a level 3.

 

[Bears]

I've never worked in a nursery before because I'm a childminder. I got my EYPS (old Early Years Teacher Quall) through the Childminding network who referred me to the uni. But people on my course mainly referred themselves to the uni.

 

[FiFi]

One way into working with the under 5s is to volunteer with your local Sure Start Children's Centres. I know of several accredited volunteers who have gained further training and work in Nurseries.