What qualifications do I need?

If you want a career in this sector, try to get work experience in a nursery or pre school setting. Most workers will obtain qualifications such as work based Scottish Vocational Qualifications and the HNC in Early Education and Child Care. Contact your local college for more information. A student would normally work in a local authority or private nursery and attend college one or two days a week.

Workers in this sector will have to register with the Scottish Social Services Council from 2006/7 and you can click here to get more information about registration. The SSSC accept a range of qualifications and you can get a list of the qualifications by emailing enquiries@sssc.uk.com or call 0845 60 30 891.

Funding for training

If you are considering doing a course in early education and child care, contact your local college to discuss funding.

Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for course fees or grants.

Work based qualifications (SVQs) are usually funded by employers and you can discuss the options directly with them.

Once you are working in the sector there are opportunities for further education and training. The employee development officer for your organisation will be able to give advice.

Useful websites

Scottish Qualifications Authority

www.sqa.org.uk

Learning and Teaching Scotland

www.ltscotland.com

Care Commission

www.carecommission.com

Scottish Out of School Care Network

www.soscn.org

Children in Scotland

www.childreninscotland.org.uk

What qualifications do I need?

Scottish college contacts