If you qualified in the 1990s and are now thinking about going back into the sector after an absence to bring up children, what kind of qualifications should you be considering and how easy will it be to get a job?
As one former practitioner says, 'I worked for a few years after qualifying with an NNEB in 1994 and it now feels as if I have been away from the workforce for a very long time. What I really want to know is, how can I top up my existing qualifications so I am eligible to get back into employment?'
It's a burning question for many former practitioners who are aware of how much the sector has moved on in the last ten years or so. Undoubtedly the number of qualifications and specialisms has greatly increased, and the drive to bring in graduates is perceived as a barrier to many of those who left the sector at level 3.
CPD knowledge needed
But at the Coombe Valley Nurseries chain, director Susan Ranson believes that experienced practitioners should not be daunted by the prospect of returning to work.
'If they have worked for a good nursery in the past, they should be able to fit in easily. The basis of good childcare has not changed. Five years ago everyone should have been planning and keeping detailed individual records anyway. They would have to get used to the EYFS, that is all.'
She recommends they should do EYFS training as well as first aid, and any refreshers to their role. 'They should also seriously consider their route to a degree and plan accordingly. We support work towards a degree as far as we can. I tutor some relevant courses and we offer help in registering for courses and claiming funding.'
At Acorn Childcare Training, managing director Anna Hanks believes that experienced practitioners have a lot to offer even if they have been absent from the workforce for a number of years.
'From an employer's point of view there is a lack of skills and people,' she says. 'I know from my own experience as the chair of an after-school activity club that when we advertise for staff at level 3 or above, we just don't get the volume of applicants. I know that many employers would welcome people who have been out of the sector for a while, who have a level 3 qualification and also have experience of bringing up a family.'
Ms Hanks confirms that the NNEB is still recognised but that those returning to work will need to show continuing professional development knowledge. She corroborates that areas such as first aid, health and safety and child protection have all moved on - and that the EYFS is a top priority.
'But it is nothing to be scared of,' she says. 'In fact, the EYFS is helpful because it provides more guidelines on aspects of practice such as observation.'
The advice from awarding body CACHE is to research the sector and explore the different types of jobs that are now on offer. Communications manager Natalie Worple says, 'Becoming a childminder is an option for those who have done an NNEB and have taken time out to have a family. In this case, they could do the Introduction to Childminding Practice, the first unit of the CACHE level 3 Diploma in Homebased Childcare, which then allows them to become registered. Many candidates go on to complete the full diploma, as it is only three units, and funding is available from many local authorities.'
Maintaining contacts
Anyone serious about resuming a career should make their local authority their first port of call.
Acorn's Anna Frank says, 'Some local authorities have developed excellent training programmes and have access courses,' she says. 'But quite often it is a chicken-and-egg situation - it can be difficult to get the funding to train until you have a job.'
Ms Franks cites Devon County Council as one authority which is developing an accessible training programme. It offers an extensive range of CPD courses, including safeguarding children, integrated practice, working with parents, risk assessment, special needs and all aspects of the EYFS.
It also runs the CWDC common induction programme over a four-day period, which can include evenings and afternoons, and is currently developing an e-learning counterpart. Funding is available to those not currently employed.
Another positive development is that the Children and Young Peoples Services team is in the process of auditing the workforce and mapping CPD options to particular job roles. This will ultimately provide more detailed information and practical help.
At Coombe Valley, Susan Ranson says that her organisation is keen to support mature practitioners returning to work. 'We have one person who has just returned who has signed up to do two CPD courses from October. Two others who have returned have planned to do so at a later date as they are taking on quite new roles and need to find their feet first.'
For many former practitioners, getting back into work after a break is all about maintaining contact with their local nurseries.
'We are in a small market town and most of our staff know most of the people in their age group, particularly as there is only one secondary school,' says Ms Ranson. 'Previous staff are still in touch with the nursery through friendships with staff or through their own children's attendance. There is a grapevine about available jobs and people looking for work.'
With providers keen to attract experienced workers back into the fold, now could be the perfect time to think about resuming a career.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Acorn Childcare Training, www.childcaretraining.co.uk
Children's Workforce Development Council, www.cwdcouncil.org.uk
SHORTER COURSES
Acorn Childcare Training recommends its six-hour course, Introduction to Child Development, as a good refresher for those returning to the sector. It provides up-to-date information on areas such as:
- Defining aspects of physical development
- Acquisition of language and communication skills
- Intellectual development and the understanding of concept development
- Relevance and significance of self-esteem and self-image in relation to development.
Short courses on the EYFS are offered by:
Horizons Childcare Training, www.horizons-cct.co.uk
Childcare Consultancy, www.childcareconsult.co.uk.