The first formative years are among the most important in our lives. It is a position of great importance to be able to encourage that appetite for discovery that never leaves us.
There are nearly half a million people working in childcare and early years education in the UK. From childminders to nursery and school reception class leaders, every one of them has a part in creating the curiosity of the next generation.
Childcare qualifications improve the quality of childcare that is offered within the sector, raising standards and informing carers and teachers with new developments in teaching and learning. Most paid staff in childcare and education have at least a Level 3 qualification, in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework.
At West Suffolk College we offer general childcare qualifications from Level 2 to Level 5. See below for further information.
Children’s Social Care and Residential Childcare
For each of the more than 47,000 foster care households in England, carers are needed to provide support for children in their early years. It’s a more demanding arena but equally rewarding. Many people develop careers in social work beginning with childcare, taking ever more advanced qualifications along the way.