What Kind of Qualifications are Needed?

Q.

I am currently studying at Birmingham City University, working towards a degree in Textile Design. When I've completed my degree I would like to have a career working with children within a children's home or foster care. I was just wondering how I would go about this? What qualifications would I need and how do I start the process?

A.

For anyone working with children, there are a range of qualifications that can be gained, to help support your work and improve your experience. In your case, it sounds like one of the best options would be the CACHE NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (Children and Young People).

This qualification is designed for anyone who’s working in a setting with children or young people, such as a children’s centre or foster care home. The qualification consists of four essential units that have to be studied and four options where you have a choice of what to study, according to what’s most relevant to your job role. In order to get the full award, you have to complete all eight units.

One of the benefits of studying for the NVQ is that you can do it on the job. If you don’t yet have your ideal job, then another option is to voluntary work to gain the relevant experience and study alongside it. In your case, as your degree is in a different subject to social care, this may work out as the most appropriate route for you to follow, if you’re not able to initially find a job in a children’s home or within foster care.

There are no formal entry requirements to study for the NVQ, but you do need to have GCSE grade C’s or above in literacy and numeracy subjects. It can be studied at your own pace and an approved assessor will make visits to your workplace in order to assess you.

Once you have gained this qualification, then there are other options which you can also go on to take, depending on the exact nature of your work and if you want to gain more professional qualifications. For example, a relevant future option may be the CACHE Level 3 Certificate of Professional Development in Work with Children and Young People.

To find out more about careers in childcare the different types of qualifications available for people working with children, have a look at the CACHE website cache.org.uk.

It can be very rewarding to work with children, despite being hard work at times, so good luck with your plans and your career.

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