Qualifications
Level 2
From 1 September 2014, all level 2 early education and childcare qualifications that have been approved by Ofqual and are listed on the Register of Regulated Qualifications will also be considered full and relevant for the purposes of regulation and registration as outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework.
Practitioners who hold qualifications that are either on the Early Years Qualifications List or the Register of Regulated Qualifications can be counted in the level 2 ratios. If you hold a level 3 early years educator qualification but do not have a GCSE in English and maths at Grade C or above, you can be counted within the level 2 ratios.
If you hold a level 3 early years educator qualification and wish to be counted within the level 3 ratios you will need to hold GCSEs in English and maths at Grade C or above.
Level 3
Practitioners, who start a qualification from 1 September 2014 must hold a qualification that meets the early years educator criteria to be considered full and relevant and to be counted in the level 3 ratios. The linked PDF file provides a list of those qualifications that so far have met early years educator criteria. Download the PDF file.
To count in the ratios at level 3, staff holding an early years educator qualification you will need to have at least functional skills at Level 2, for English and Maths and are no longer required to have GCSE grade 3 or above.
Meeting EYFS Requirements
Qualified staff will be expected to meet EYFS ratio requirements, these are:
Working with 0 - 2 year olds - 1 staff member to 3 children
Working with 2 - 3 year olds - 1 staff member to 4 children
Working with 3 - 5 year olds - 1 staff member to 8 children
If you have a Level 6 qualification such as; Early Years Teacher, EYPS, or QTS you can work on a ratio of 1 staff member to 13 children
Full Day Care/Nursery
High quality care and education are crucial for young children. That’s why people like you – with commitment, energy and enthusiasm, who can be positive role models – are needed to play a key part in nurseries in your area.
Working with young children in Full Day Care is a satisfying and worthwhile career, a job you can be proud of. As a nursery practitioner you’re a special person, very important in the lives of the babies and children you’re looking after and guiding.
You can make a difference which will stand them in good stead in the years to come, as you support them to develop and grow.
What is Full Day Care work?
Men and women of all ages and from various backgrounds work in nurseries. Whatever Day Care you work in, you’ll be working as part of a team, planning and organising stimulating educational and play activities and taking care of the children’s personal needs, such as food, washing and sleep.
You will also be working in partnership with parents and carers, discussing and sorting out any issues relating to their child and making sure he or she has the best possible care in an encouraging and safe environment.
Your rate of pay will depend on your experience, level of qualification, responsibility and location.
For more information about working with children contact Sandwell Family Information Service on 0121 569 4914 or visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/jobs
Facts about Full Day Care
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They’re often known as Nurseries or Pre-schools.
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They usually provide full-day care for babies and children up to the age of five.
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They are generally open from 8am to 6pm but some run from 7am to 7pm
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Staff are expected to work shifts
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Most are open all year round, except for weekends and bank holidays; some are open term-time only (such as college nurseries).
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There are all kinds of Full Day Care – some are run privately others by the local authority, voluntary or community groups, schools, colleges or employers.