I'm 29 and gained an NNEB diploma 11 years ago. In 2004 I started to work for a large organisation that cares for and educates children and young people with special needs, mainly neurological impairments.
At first I was content and learned many new skills. However, soon I was told that I would have to complete the NVQ level 3 in order to continue my job. I was confused; as I understood it, the NNEB and NVQ level 3 are one and the same. The company I worked for would not accept this and gave me an ultimatum -do the NVQ or leave. I chose the latter and am now employed by a large nursery chain with a view to train as an NVQ assessor, if I wish.
Have any other NNEBs been treated in this way? I sincerely hope my experience will not become the norm among employers, ignoring a very valid NNEB in favour of those with NVQs.
Name and address supplied
