FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What qualifications do I need to be considered for training for a career in childcare?
A: 3 standard grades at bands 1-3, one of which must be in English.

Q: What happens after my application form is submitted to the training centre?
A: Subject to you meeting the qualifications outlined above, an invitation to attend an open day / interview will be offered.

Q: How will the open day / interview be structured?
A: Open days are usually held between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Information on the training course and qualification will be provided. You will be asked to complete an essay, and individual interviews will be conducted.

Q: What happens next?
A: Successful applicants will be contacted when a suitable vacancy becomes available and arrangements made for you to spend a day at the nursery for the purpose of an interaction interview. If successful at the interaction day the vetting procedure will commence and a provisional start date agreed.

Q: What is vetting?
A: Vetting consists of 2 references and a doctor’s report to confirm that you are a suitable, fit and healthy person to work with children. On receipt of all 3 of the above a police check will be carried out by Disclosure Scotland. The nursery (employer) is responsible for initiating and completing the vetting procedure and upon completion a final start date will be confirmed.

Q: What format does the training take?
A: You will be employed full time in a nursery and attend workshops in the training centre 1 day every 4 weeks. Your assessor will visit the nursery at an agreed time to observe and assess set tasks and to mark your written work. A full morning or afternoon will be set aside for this.

Q: What hours will I work?
A: Working hours are at the discretion of each nursery. The majority of nurseries work a shift system and shift patterns will be discussed and arranged with the nursery (employer). Hours that may be worked under the Modern Apprenticeship scheme can be between 30 and 40 hours per week.

Q: What is the rate of pay?
A: Pay is decided by the nursery (employer). As a guideline, £85 per week is fairly average.

Q: How long will it take to complete the course?
A: SVQs are individually tailored. 20 – 24 months is a guideline.

Q: Will I be a fully qualified childcare worker upon completion?
A: The guidelines issued by the Scottish Social Services Council state that SVQ level III Children's Care, Learning and Development is a nationally recognised qualification for a practitioner working with children.

Q: Why would I want to commence training for a career in childcare and what are the prospects?
A: The Scottish Executive is investing monies to train early years workers and develop their skills. The Executive has offered free nursery places for all 3 & 4 year olds, so there will always be a need for qualified childcare workers. Childcare is a “boom” industry and there are plenty of jobs available for qualified staff.