>Question
Q – “I have just finished my level 3 and considering starting my level 5 foundation degree. I just wondered what people’s opinions are on doing this? I.e. Does it increase your pay? Is there much need for level 3 practitioners? How is the course set out? Work load? I’m a single parent so will have work and a child on top and don’t want to get into something that will stress me out too much!”
Answers
A – “It is hard work but definitely doable if you set your mind to it. I completed mine through a local college; it was just one afternoon a week at college meaning I could still work full time. Unfortunately payscale is something that isn’t massively changed in your average early years settings. There is always a demand for level 3 practitioners.”
A – “Don’t do it for the pay or recognition, do it for yourself!! I’m just about to finish my BA honours not only has it consolidated my knowledge but it’s boosted my confidence, helped me become more reflective, taught me research skills and led to new friendships.”
A – “I completed my level 5 and although I’m not a single parent, I am a mother of three (one with additional needs) and my husband worked nights throughout. I also managed the preschool I still manage today. I agree that the knowledge I took from my foundation degree empowered me and just like Sallie I was proud to have my children at my graduation. The money isn’t currently in the Early Years sector and I’m sure that until the day we unite together in making a stand over pay, this factor won’t change.
Simply put, yes it makes a difference, yes I am pleased I put myself through years of juggling and struggling. Would I do it again knowing that pay wouldn’t change ? No. Would I do it again to show my children it’s good to have expectations of yourself ? Absolutely !, my eldest, with additional needs and a lifetime of struggles in on target for the best grades possible and a university place of his own this year? It really is a personal choice and I would be lying if I said it didn’t involve blood, sweat and an awful lot of tears though. Good luck”
A – “You really need to know its what you want. I am a level 4 and there doesn’t seem much demand for level 3’s or 4’s anymore. I am in the final year of the foundation degree it really is hard work, very stressful and can take over your life. Seriously think about how much you want it.”
A – “I am just about to finish my foundation degree, it’s been four very hard long years and sadly not worth it in my current job. I was told in my recent appraisal I will not be paid any higher than a level 3 as a level 3 manager is all the preschool require. Quite sad really and a waste of time on my part. (I was in a different setting when I started my learning)”
A – “I completed this, worked full time and did my Maths, English and Science again all at the same time. I’ve done the top up and PGCE so I’m in my NQT year now. Definitely worth it but once finished I’d recommend topping it up to a full degree and maybe moving into teaching, social work or nursery management”
A – “I have a level 4 in early years practice, and a level 6 BA(Hons) degree in childhood and youth studies. Still classed as level 3 and earn £7.20 per hour. Considered doing my EYTS but heard it’s not worth the effort, so I am stuck. Took six years of hard work long hours, working par time, studying and raising two boys…..for what? I’m no better off financially or career wise.”
A – “I have done my foundation degree and I won’t lie it is hard work however I now work as a high paid level three in a reception class at a school but also can now cover supervise the class so I get paid more when I am covering the teacher so it can have it’s benefits. It is good for helping with your own development and you can progress on to full degree and teaching so depending what you want to do with it after. I am glad I did mine, I found it stressful but also rewarding and proved to myself that I could do it. Good luck whatever you decide”
A – “Depends what u want to go on and do. The knowledge is great you learn so much and you will be a better practitioner at the end of it but if your staying in a nursery/preschool you aren’t always likely to benefit financially. Some nurseries prefer room managers with l4/5 but some don’t. If u want to go on to primary teaching or do something else career wise like play therapy or social working then it will be worth it. I’m currently finishing my ba hons top up l6 and did my foundation degree the two years previous. It’s been a long three years but I live between two houses, work three jobs have a severe hearing loss which I haven’t used help for from uni and another life threatening health condition…. I’m still here and plan to work my way up in pastoral care hopefully”
A – “I’m doing foundation degree just progressed to level 5 I’m a single parent and work full time. It is stressful but it’s all about time management and prioritising. As far as pay it will depend on who you work for as with everything really. I do it for my professional development. Hope this helps”
A – “I would honestly consider doing a degree rather than a level 5. Part time work load is manageable if you’re working/have kids. Opens doors for further development etc.”
A – “My advice is that anything we do to extend our knowledge and understanding of children’s development is worth it, it is true that our qualifications are not always reflected in our salaries or valued by the wider society. I went from an Advanced Diploma in Childcare and Education, before the Level 3 progression to a BA Honors in Childhood and Youth Studies, then the Early Years Professional status. There are posts out there, not many, I will agree but I currently plan and deliver early intervention activities across 6 early years settings and absolutely love it. No education is ever wasted. Lots of luck”
A – “I’m a single parent my self I also work two days and I’m Currently doing this degree. I am finding a balance between family life work and student. I have 10 years experience which is helping me a lot though my first year. I’m enjoying it and it isn’t to bad tbh. I was hoping to start it next year but my old tutor enrolled me this year I started a month later and i was playing catch up! We have a Facebook page group where there is always support ( we made this page up) but there is also a main Facebook group you can ask for support. Tutors where I go to are fab at supporting too! It’s £3,600 a year. Hope this helps.”
A – “Why not? If you have the inclination and can make the time more knowledge is always of benefit. It may not make a whole deal of difference now but in the future you may want to continue to QTS. Knowledge is power”
A – “I am in my second year of foundation degree, a single mum with 3 children and I work 25 hours a week. I won’t lie to you, it is very hard work. My course has been a combination of assignments and exams but I know the current year ones at my college have assignments with no exams due to the course changing. Even with all the hard work though, I have found the learning very beneficial to my work.”
A – “I am in my second year of foundation degree, a single mum with 3 children and I work 25 hours a week. I won’t lie to you, it is very hard work. My course has been a combination of assignments and exams but I know the current year ones at my college have assignments with no exams due to the course changing. Even with all the hard work though, I have found the learning very beneficial to my work.”