Question: What are the most appropriate Childcare qualifications to have?
Answer: This will depend on the age group of the children, the type of job and your preferred learning style. Attaining accredited qualifications is, however, strongly recommended as this has been proven to raise the quality of childcare provision in Essex.

Question: Who pays for training and would I receive income while learning?
Answer: Unfortunately there are no firm rules. A number of privately-owned childcare businesses are also registered training providers. Where training is provided in-house, you could be earning while learning.

If you have started a college course straight from school, then you may be entitled to an Educational Maintenance Allowance. Work placements in this situation would be organised for you by the college.

Question: Where am I able to train?
Answer: A number of alternatives are available - some on a full-time basis and some by attending college once a week on day release. National Vocational Qualifications can be studied for while you are working. You may even be able to study by correspondence or through computer learning.

If you would like more information, please refer to your local college or adult education centre and ask them about courses in Early Years, Childcare and Playwork.

Question: I have not applied for a job for a while. What support are you able to offer me?
Answer: Completing a job application form can be quite daunting. Emma Hamilton-Taylor our Recruitment Officer will be pleased to help you with any aspect, whether advising on your skills and experience or qualifications. We also appreciate that this may be the first occasion where you have applied for a job on-line. Please ask for help if you are unsure how to complete this. We also offer a job-matching service so that we can do the searching for you of any job that meet your specific skills and location.