Q2A
Got an enquiry ........
Hi, I have just recently been told by my mental health nurse that she thinks I'm ready to
go out and work, and i agree with her, but I havent worked for about three years now, and I
would like to go into nursery work. I can't go back to college, as I find it really difficult to be
around too many people I dont know, and I am on benefits,and can't afford to lose my
benefits. I have done a little work in a nursery enviroment when I was at school, but that
was for about a week before my parents moved me to another school. Is there any way
that I can get into full time paid nursery work through volunteering at a nursery? and if so
how would I go about this?
This is our reply.......
Hello sugar_plum_fairy, thanks for contacting q2a.
We're pleased to hear that your mental health has improved so much that you now feel
able to work again.
To be able to work as a nursery nurse you would eventually need to complete the Level 3
Children and Young People's Workforce Diploma, a new qualification which was
introduced in September last year. The aim of this is to have well-qualified people working
in what is the important role of caring for very young children.
Volunteering would be a good way of starting to work your way towards this. Later on you
may be able to find paid work in a nursery as a trainee and attend college alongside
working to get the necessary qualifications. You don't always need qualifications to begin
training as a nursery nurse but some employers may prefer you to have Level 2 qualifications e.g. some GCSEs at grades A-C to start a Level 3 qualification. If you don't
have Level 2 qualifications already you could think about studying for these alongside the
Level 2 Children and Young People's Workforce Certificate to qualify as a nursery
assistant. Also, the work experience you did at school will show that you've had an
interest in this kind of work for a long time.
You tell us that you're reluctant to go to college because of your lack of confidence around
people you don't know. It may help you to know that in studying for work-related
qualification you won't be at college full-time, and when you are there you will be with
people who are interested in the same kind of work. This means that you will have
something in common and it will make getting to know people a lot easier.
If you're receiving Employment & Support Allowance you can do voluntary work, or paid
work up to certain limits on the number of hours you work and the amount you earn so
your benefits may continue for a time whilst you're studying/working. You can check with
a disability employment adviser at your local Jobcentre to see the likely effect that working
(either as a volunteer or paid) will have on your benefits. If you are also receiving Disability
Living Allowance this isn't usually affected by any earnings but a disability employment
advisor can tell you about this as well. In the future we hope you may be well enough and
earning enough not to have to rely on benefits.
If you'd like more information about careers in childcare you can contact:
# Next Steps, freephone 0800 100 900, open 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week. Website:
https://nextstep.direct.gov.uk/PlanningYourCareer/JobProfiles/JobProfile0293/Pages/Entry.aspx
# Worthing College, Bolsover Road, Worthing. BN13 1NS. Telephone: 01903 243389.
Website: http://www.worthing.ac.uk
Your local Jobcentre is:
# Worthing Jobcentre Plus, Crown House, High Street, Worthing! , West Sussex. BN11
1NG. Telephone: 0845 604 3719
We hope this information is helpful. We wish you success in your future studies.
Best wishes from q2a.
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