Q1. Do I need to work in a particular type of setting
A1. If you wish to begin an Early Years qualification you should try to gain experience in either Nursery or pre-school settings ideally. If you are interested in working in schools, you would need to be in a foundation class to enable you to achieve the early years care and education award. If you would like to work in after school, or with older children, there are a number of alternative qualifications i.e. Playwork NVQ or Teaching Assistant NVQ, Youth Work Qualifications. To find out more detailed information why not pop in and see us we are able to offer a full career guidance service, if we are not able to provide for your current needs we will put you in contact with another trainer who will be able to. Top__

Q2. Do I have to be in full time employment in a nursery to access training
A2. No, you can access training towards an early years qualification in full time work, part time work or if you volunteer in the setting. It is possible to begin studying towards a qualification in early years (short courses & knowledge based courses) whilst in another type of work, however in order to successfully complete an NVQ in Early Years Care and Education you must be working with children in a setting as your performance ‘on the job’ will be assessed. Top__

Q3. What qualifications do I need to be considered for a career in childcare
A3. No formal qualifications are necessary to begin. A genuine interest in working with children and enthusiasm for learning is required. If you have no experience of working with children in an establishment it is always recommended that you begin with a level 2 qualification, this will ensure that you are able to apply the basic concepts of childcare and have a good solid foundation to build on. You will be able to progress on to level 3 qualifications where you will learn more advanced practices. Should you wish to continue there are level 4 qualifications and foundation degrees are now available. Top__

Q4. I am in receipt of benefits, will I have to pay for the courses
A4. Proof of benefits are needed therefore when you come along to an information or induction day bring your letter outlining details of the benefit and this will assist in confirming your entitlement to a free or reduced fee. Top__

Q5. How long will it take to complete an NVQ
A5. The time taken by each individual varies according to how much time you have available to dedicate to the course, how often you are in your setting and your overall commitments. Our approach is flexible and supportive and our programme structure reflects this therefore realistically you could achieve the full award as quickly as 6 months or take up to 18 months. On average most learners are able to complete within a year. Top__

Q6. It all sounds great, so when will I be able to start a course with you
A6. We offer a ‘roll on, roll off’ basis, therefore as long as there is space you will be able to begin your studies almost as soon as you make contact with us and express an interest to enrol on a course. We have Information & Induction days regularly. Look in the forthcoming events page to find out details of the next Information Days to come along and find out more about studying for a career in childcare with Discovery Childcare Training. Top__