There are many reasons for undertaking further career training. You may want to develop within your current post; prepare yourself for moving on to another job; have taken a job which requires additional skills, or are just feeling a bit 'rusty'. Sometimes the hardest part is just choosing which course to take.
Training needs analysis
Sometimes we can identify our own gaps in experience and knowledge; other times we need advice. Talk to your manager and work colleagues, keep your eyes open for opportunities, and share information with those around you.
Managers will expect to spend time with each member of staff to identify their training needs, so make an appointment for a mutually convenient time. Prepare yourself for this meeting by asking yourself:
- what do I want to achieve?
- what would be useful in my workplace?
- what are the gaps in my knowledge?
- what type of training will suit my needs?
- where can I get it?
- what are my time-scales?
- how much am I prepared to do in my own time?
Gather as much information as you can about different courses and their content, costs, locations and duration, before discussing and negotiating details with your manager. Look at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Website to find details of course titles, levels, awarding bodies, and contact details (see box for address.)
It might help to look at what others have done and picture yourself taking their options.
Certificate in Creche Management
Asha had gained her DNN a few years before, taken time out with her own children, and come back into paid employment as a sessional creche leader.
Her choice A college course leading to a certificate in creche management with 90 hours of guided learning, combined with practical experience in her workplace to update her knowledge and regain her confidence.
Previous experience Placements while taking DNN, nursery officer in a private nursery, playgroup committee member and sometime leader, and her recent appointment.
Why this course? To learn business and management skills, recruitment and staff issues, how to work with parents, and how to operate budgets, and to meet like-minded colleagues.
Possibly leading to Setting up her own shoppers' creche.
Further information
NCFE, tel: 0191 201 3100
Website: www.ncfe.org.uk
NVQ Level 4
Ready for a new challenge, Tina was delighted to be appointed a Childminding Network Manager.
Her choice Level 4 NVQ in Early Years Care and Education
Previous experience She has worked in a range of provision since qualifying - a mainstream nursery, special needs nursery, development work, and a short-term contract as a registration and inspection officer.
Why this course? Because she likes the convenience of being assessed in her workplace and one of the three strands offered, 'Enhancing Quality and Quality Control', is just what she wants to study.
Leading to Although this is a new qualification, Tina is confident it will become a recognised route for a number of senior jobs. She has also always wanted to do a degree and at some time in the future may use the NVQ4 as exemption for two years of a degree course.
Further information
CACHE, tel: 01727 847636
Website: www.cache.org.uk
Advanced Diploma in Childcare and Education
Three years after qualifying, Paul was very happy working in a community nursery. He could see how rapidly the early years field was changing and felt he wanted to update his knowledge and learn new skills.
His choice From a list of modules his local college offered a selection which he felt would be useful to him in his job, particularly Disability and Special Education Needs and Anti-discriminatory Practice.
Why this course? Because it is a professional development course especially designed for qualified nursery nurses with several years' experience.
Leading to A diploma giving recognition of a higher level of study, giving employers an indication of your capabilities and commitment.
Further information
CACHE, tel: 01727 847636
Website: www.cache.org.uk
Consider your options
Consider the range of opportunities available to you (making sure the course you wish to take has national recognition). If you already have an NNEB, DNN, NVQ Level 3, Diploma in Pre-school Practice, BTEC Nursery Nursing, Playwork Level 3, you could go on to:
- professional development courses - the ADCE, NVQ assessment and verification awards D32/ D33/ D34
- qualification awards - NVQ Level 4
- Early Years/Childhood degrees
- specialist courses such as sign language, art, science, first aid, food hygiene, special needs, music, anti-racism, parents
- teacher training, adult teaching certificate or other teaching approaches such as Montessori or training to be a specialist teacher's assistant, for example someone specialising in literacy
- other disciplines such as social work, health, under-eights inspection and registration.
These are only some case scenarios. There are a also number of different ways you could undertake further training, such as:
- short or modular courses that fit in with your work and home commitments - remember that professional and personal development is as important as a higher qualification.
- longer certificated courses - helpful if you want to move into more senior jobs or higher education.
- higher education leading to degrees, qualified teacher status, or a professional qualification.
For these options you could:
- attend a local college or training agency
- take a distance learning course
- train on the job
- attend university. NW
Further information
- Contact the Early Years National Training Organisation on 01727 738 300
- The Qualifications and Curriculum
Authority website is http://www.qca.org.uk
