Logical next steps for minders...

[marzi]

What are they?

I'm thinking of the future really, I'm not even registered yet lol. :blush:

I've heard of accreditation but what does this mean and how do you do it?

I've heard people mention the NVQ3 but what's the name of it so i can look it up?

[beccas]

accreditation is offering free childcare to 3 year olds

nvq level 3 childrens care learning and development.

hope that helps

[green puppy]

The nvq is changing to incorporate all level 3 childcare courses, supposed to be from september this year but I can't remember what it is called! I am currently doing the nvq 3 in childrens learning and development. I have also signed up to do the foundation degree with the open university. If you ring your local authority training team and ask whats available they should point you in the right direction, also ask what funding is available for childminders as mine are all being funded.

[snufflepuff]

I already had my level 3 qualification before i decided to childmind so im gpoing to look in to doing a foundation degree in early years or NVQ 4 if it still exists when i ready to start studying again!

[Pipsqueak]

gosh there are a few options:

doing your level 3 and then onto a foundation degree and subsequently a full BA hons and perhaps EYPs

Training to be an NCMA tutor for DHC or other types of courses

Accreditation (offering the free 3/4yr old nursery entitlement)

Running support/network groups

development officers

[Toothfairy]

We have been asked to think about 'where we want to go from here' at our DHC course.

I am looking into Network and accreditation.
I would also like to look into working for someone like the NCMA or a Surestart Centre.

[pinkbutterfly]

Does anybody know if we're entitled to funding for our education straight away or do we have to have some childminding experience first?

[NaggyNat]

Does anybody know if we're entitled to funding for our education straight away or do we have to have some childminding experience first?

I've only been registered since 29th March this year and am entitled to funding straight away. I am enrolling on an online NVQ3 which needs to be completed by September this year and then will get funded for Foundation Degree. :clapping:

[Monkey26]

Here's how I went about it...!

1. Got loads and loads of practical childcare experience as a nanny, on holiday camps, in specialist schools, running sports clubs, in soft play areas
2. Got a degree in Education Studies
3. Became a CM whilst in my final year of uni
4. Accessed (and still do!) as many free short courses as possible
5. Became an Early Years Professional (Sept '08)
6. Did my basic nursing training (Feb '10) - with a view to work in paediatrics

Now I CM 4 days a week and work as a nurse at the hospital 1 day a week...

Nothing like I planned my future to be but am loving it!!! And since I dropped that one day as CM I am enjoying CMing even more :laughing: xx

[pinkbutterfly]

JoJoGiggles ... where are all those free short courses ... are they those organised by the council?
Nats Nippers ... which online school are you using?
This all sounds wonderful and I would really love to start studying asap.

[Monkey26]

Yup, Devon County Council run regular courses for childcare practitioners (as CM's we have a few accessability problems but all in all ok).
In the last 18 months i have attended:
* safeguarding (refresher),
* behaviour management,
* sensory play,
* here's looking at you bump, baby and little one,
* play on a shoe string,
* parachute play,
* creative play,
* healthy eating for the under 5's,
* risk assessments
* gender, behaviour and achievement - this one was BRILLIANT!
* SEN/code of practice
Maybe we shouldn't moan about our council so much if people aren't getting a similar experience elsewhere in the country?! xx