Why Think About Training?

Now is the time to think about developing your career whilst working with children aged 0-5years as there has never been a better time to take advantage of the financial support available for undertaking qualifications at level 3 and above.

Locally, the Transformation Fund is available to support all practitioners working/volunteering in private, voluntary or independent early years foundation stage settings who wish to study at level 3 and level 4 and at level 5 for a Foundation Degree.  Nationally, the Transformation Fund also supports those practitioners who undertake Early Years Professional status.

Through the Bursary Award* system and the Support and Release funding (for level 4 and level 5 study) available to Southampton City based settings, costs such as babysitting, travel and books can be met so there really is no reason why you should not consider undertaking level 3, level 4 or level 5 courses in 2007/08.

Wherever you are on the qualification ladder now is also the time to consider what ‘gaps’ you might have e.g. GCSE grade C and above qualifications in English and Maths or equivalents**.  If you aspire to become an Early Years Professional these qualifications are necessary and not having them is likely to prevent you from achieving your ambitions.  These qualifications will help you achieve level 4 and level 5 qualifications and also with writing reports, budgeting and planning even if you don’t intend to progress beyond level 3 or level 4.

English and Maths qualifications could be undertaken at any point in your personal career plan e.g. in between level 2 and level 3 or between level 3, level 4 or level 5. Please be aware that local colleges may ask you about English and Maths when you enrol on level 3 and above courses and may ask you to undertake an assessment in order for your needs to be recognised.                                                                

So, now is the time to reflect on what you would like to do in the future.  If you have any questions or would like to talk about your options please telephone Kay Watling Early Years Development & Childcare Co-ordinator Workforce Development on 023 8083 2148 or email kay.watling@southampton.gov.uk

* Bursary Award application forms are available from the Training Support Officer 023 8083 4615

**We are currently waiting for details of what the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) considers as equivalent qualifications.