What childcare qualifications and training you need to work in childcare
To work in childcare you will need the relevant childcare qualifications; the minimum requirement is level 2 however most nurseries require practitioners to hold a level 3 qualification. If you are not qualified to the expected level there are many options in obtaining the right qualification either training on the job or through an apprenticeship route.
Depending on your experience and qualification with determine what job role you will be able to apply for. Managers who are responsible for the running of the nursery and the business are recommended to have higher level childcare qualifications eg level 4 or above and it is advisable to have managerial experience. Practitioners working in either day nurseries, pre schools or out of school clubs will require an early year’s qualification.
Below is a list of early education and childcare qualifications that are considered full and relevant, these were offered by various awarding organisations, and may be included in a level 3 apprenticeship framework:
- Level 3 NVQ in Caring for Children and Young People
- Level 3 NVQ in Childcare and Education
- Level 3 NVQ in Children’s Care, Learning and Development
- Level 3 NVQ in Early Years Care and Education
- Level 3 NVQ in Play work
- Level 3 Diploma in Play work (NVQ)
- Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (Early Learning and Childcare)
The NNEB Certificate and Diploma are considered full and relevant at Level 3
If you have another level 3 qualification such as a teaching assistant qualification, this can also be considered as a full and relevant level 3 qualification. Below is a list of the level 3 courses that are considered to be relevant to work in childcare.
- Level 3 NVQ for Teaching Assistants
- Level 3 NVQ in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 3 Diploma in Support Work in Schools
- Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support in Teaching and Learning
- Level 3 National Diploma in Specialist Support in Teaching and Learning
- Level 3 Certificate for Teaching Assistants *
- Level 3 Certificate in Support Work in Schools
Practitioners who registered for a qualification from September 2014 must hold a qualification that meets the Early Years Criteria to be considered full and relevant and to be counted in the level 3 ratios.
To view a list of the qualifications that have so far met early years educator criteria click here.
To find out about the Level 3 Early Years Educator courses click here
Do I need a cache level 3 to get a job ?
Hi, I want to become a nursery assistant or anything to do with childcare. I have level 3 health and social care qualification, English and Maths. Can I still become a nursery assistant or anything based on Health and social care?
Many Thanks
Hi I am very interested in working in early years / preschool / nursery . I do not have any qualifications or experience in schools but I am very willing to learn in the go . Would you be able to send me in the correct direction please . Do I need certain qualifications to even apply for jobs in early years / preschool / nursery
Hi, I’ve recently started working as a nursery practitioner. I’ve worked in healthcare for several years but have no prior experience with children. I applied for a non qualified role and they’re going to pay for my level 2 whilst working, when I’ve settled in
if i get a level 3 health and social A-Level, Would i be able to work in a nursery/childcare setting?
Hi I have a childcare and EYFS certificate what kind of job can I get
hey i am in s3 and i am soon to be in s4 yes i am in high school i need to know what i need for child care
i need to know soon
I work in a infant school breakfast and after school with no level. Which course do I need for a level 2.
I’m looking into childcare, but I have to do in college so, next year will in college and I have do Level 3 course so, I understand what I need to do in childcare.
I’m a government teacher in my country Kenya but Im currently living In the UK after finishing my masters in Early childhood, I need a live in child care job, I have a primary teach g certified are, a diploma in Early child care, Bachelors in Early childcare and a masters in early childcare.
Im 16 and childcare is something im thinking about doing, will i have to go to college to study it or will these online courses cut it? I have no qualifications in childcare or health and social care so im assuming start with level one and work up?
Is the level 3 CACHE award in child care considered ‘full and relevant’
I’m looking into child minding, I currently have a level 3 NVQ in supporting teaching and learning in schools, would this cover me?