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Career In Child Development UK: Vital Qualifications You Need To Become A Child Development Career Worker

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There are two main ways to train for a qualification for a career in child development; you can study whilst you work or undertake a course of study.

This could be at a local venue, a further education college or a sixth Form College or other learning centre.

At 16+ years you can take a 2-year full-time Diploma in Children's Care Learning and Development course at a further education or sixth form college leading directly to a level 3 qualification for a career in child development.

It covers children's development from birth up to 8 years old as well as working with parents and carers and you will have plenty of work placements to gain valuable experience.

Below are two qualification routes for persuing a career in Child Development...

1. Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ)
2. National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)

1. Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ)

A VRQ can be gained at a further education college, Sixth Form College or other learning centres leading to a career in Child Development. There are a variety of courses leading to qualifications to suit your needs.

You can study full or part time and gain some practical experience in a work setting. Courses are also available through distance learning though you will need to arrange how to get suitable workplace experience.

Entry qualifications will depend on the course you take. Study support will be available to ensure your learning needs are met.

2. National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)

National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) is work-related, competence-based qualifications. They reflect the skills and knowledge you need to do a job effectively and show that you are competent in the area of work the NVQ framework represents.

They give those who are already experienced and skilled in their work a chance to achieve a recognised qualification. You continue to work, studying part time and build a portfolio of your achievements.

An NVQ assessor will assess your portfolio and observe your work. The whole process usually takes between 12 months and two years, but the pace is up to you.

There are different levels of qualification suitable for every stage of your career...

>> Foundation Level

If you have little or no experience of working with children. At college you will be given work placements to gain practical experience or as an apprentice you will train while you work.

>> Level 2

Recognises the ability to gain a good knowledge and understanding of a subject area or work or study, and perform varied tasks --NVQ 2, GCSE A*-C-- for those who are working under supervision such as a Nursery Assistant or Playgroup Assistant working with children under five or an assistant playworker in and out of school setting.

>> Level 3

Recognises the ability to obtain detailed knowledge and skills --NVQ 3; A-Levels-- for those who work on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and supervising others, for example, a nursery nurse, playgroup leader, senior playworker or a childminder working on their own at home.

>> Level 4

Recognises specialist learning and involved detailed analysis of a high level of information and knowledge --Certificate of Higher Education-- for experienced practitioners who carry out complex and non-routine tasks such as a manager of an early years nursery or out of school setting or a development officer for a local authority.

>> Level 5

Recognises the ability to increase the depth of knowledge and understanding of an area of work or study to enable the formation of a solution and responses to complex problems and situations --foundation Degree or Diploma of Higher Education-- for experienced practitioners such as a manager of a childcare setting or a manager of a children's centre.

>> Level 6

Recognises a specialist high level of knowledge of an area of work or study to enable the use of an individual's own ideas and research --Degree with Hons or Graduate Certificate.

>> Level 7

Recognises highly developed and complex levels of knowledge which enable the development of in-depth and original responses to complicated and unpredictable problems and situations (Masters degree).

>> Level 8

Recognises leading experts or practitioners in a particular field.

Continue reading "Child Development Career UK -- Taking The Apprenticeship Route" >>

Previous Page - Do You Have The Vital Skills And Qualifications to Pursue A Child Development Career In The UK?

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