The demand for qualified childcare workers has increased in recent times with more women choosing to return to work after having children.  With more childcare workers needed, it’s no surprise that more people are seeking to achieve a recognised childcare qualification in order to give them a head start in the child care industry.

The most widely recognised qualification in the UK with respect to working with children is the NVQ in childcare.   The NVQ is taught from foundation stage – Level 1, all the way through to Level 4.  NVQ Level 1 is designed as an introductory course, whereas Level 2 is work based and is aimed at people working in a childcare environment for example, as a playgroup, nursery or school assistant.  Level 3 is geared towards those working in a supervisory role within the childcare sector.  Finally, level 4 is aimed at managers or senior workers whose main job is children’s care and learning and development.

An NVQ in Child Care is an essential qualification for anyone seeking to work as a childcare worker, a child minder (working from home) and even those who are hoping to set up their own childcare business.

The NVQ assessment is very much a hands on experience.  An assessor will visit you at your place of work and make a judgment of your work against a list of skills and knowledge requirements.  If you can demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and understanding needed, then you will be awarded your NVQ.

To obtain an NVQ in childcare it is imperative to get the right training.  A good place to start your search is on a via an online ‘course guide’ website such as www.emagister.co.uk, where you’ll be able to find where such courses are running, the duration of the course and any cost involved.

No matter what level NVQ you are hoping to obtain you can be assured that the training involved will allow you the knowledge and experience you need to work with children and handle their developmental and learning needs as well as their safety and environmental matters.