wot no level 3!

wot no level 3!

by: confused - 03-05-08 20:29

I have a NVQ level 2 in Children's Care Learning and Development and am about to finish a HNC Level 4 in Childhood and Youth Studies.  I thought (rather stupidly as it now appears) that a Level 4 was higher than a Level 3.  However somebody recently told me that I need to go back and get a level 3 if I want to work as a room leader or supervisor.  I checked this out with the Children's Workforce Development Council and they confirmed that my level 4 qualification does not qualify me to do a level 3 job because the HNC "does not appear to be specifically early years related" (well neither was my NVQ - that covered 0-16's) and "does not appear to be a NVQ level qualification" (!!!!!!I never said or hoped it was) and also "normally there would also be an assessment in the workplace rather than just written assignments and presentations in class (well I have to admit they have got me on that one!).  However, I am extremely disappointed as nobody at the college warned me that by doing a HNC I was going to make myself underqualified and overqualified at the same time.  Just wondering if this has happened to anybody else.  Any advice would really be appeciated.

by: timmylums

Hi confused! I have  a friend who has been put in a similar situation she was told that she was overqualified for a job as an early years practitioner, requiring an NVQ level 2/3. She has a degree in Early Yrs Education (level6) and was told she was lacking in experience and was avised to go to an agency and do some supply work.  The agency were more than eager to take her on but only agreed to pay her as unqualified because they were unsure that her degree consisted of enough practical work.  After consulting with her tutor she was assured that as her degree inclued a compulsory placement she was more than qualified to be classed as an ear;y years practitioner, as she is now doing her EYPS she will soon be more qualified than most. I can undestand how you feel as it is a minefield as there are so many different courses and all cover different things.  Sometimes you feel that you have wasted your time aiming higher but personally I think it is better to have these higher qualifications as you never know when they will be required and you may not be in a position to return to study.    

RE: RE: wot no level 3! - 05-05-08 16:51

by: confused

Hi timmylums  Thanks for your reply.  I wonder how many other people are in the same boat.  I understand that having a HNC means you are good at writing essays! but not necessary good with the practical side.  Unfortunately, unlike your friend's course though the HNC does not include a compulsory placement.  Although I have been working part time in a nursery for the last two years, so do have experience to go along with my qualification but unfortunatley on the HNC we do not get assessed in the workplace.

I am now considering going back to college in September to do a level 3 but as I didn't enjoy the NVQ I'm thinking about doing a BTEC.  However, the college are saying I might not get funding as I have a level 4!  Which I don't think is very fair considering the college put me on the level 4 without warning me that I would need a level 3 in the first place.

I think it is disgusting that your friend was only paid unqualified salary even though she had a degree.   I have been told that someone with a degree can become a teacher without having to do a level2 or 3.  I wonder how that one works?

by: Skyenet

Do HNC's vary throughout the UK?  I am just about to finish my HNC in Child Care and Education in Scotland and we spend equal time in College and Placement (with at least 2 different age groups).  We do get assessed for placement and you need to pass everything including placements to get your HNC.  In the Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework an HNC lies between SVQ3 and SVQ4. An HNC is a recognised qualification to register as an Early Years Practitioner with the Scottish Social Services Council SSSC (it dosn't list any level 4 qualifications as acceptable for Practitioner though does include them under the Manager/Lead Practitioner category).  

I have to admit I never really thought that you would have to a level 3 if you already had a level 4. 

by: PinkPiglet85

I dont understand this at all. You can miss out level 2 & go straight on to level 3 but you cant miss out level 3!! What makes level 3 so special!! lol

by: Tink84

I think the problem is with the Childhood and Youth Studies side of it not that you've gone from level 2 to 4 and missed 3 out. Childhood studies covers different areas to early years iykwim and i think this is where the problem lies. I know you already have L2 in early years but it will not go into as much detail as the L3 would in early years.

I think the HNC is aimed at youth work or Out of School club as oppossed to a nursery.

I too am L6 with 2 years experience and can't even get interviews never mind a job that is more than minumn pay

by: confused

Thanks for all your comments.  I was especially surprised to learn that the HNC in Scotland does include workplace assessments.  I wonder why that wasn't incorporated into the course in England.

A training adviser at my local council has advised me to use some of my HNC credits and 'top up' to a Foundation Degree.  Which will include workplace assessments and will therefore apparently cover me.  I have also been advised that people who have completed the Level 3 Diploma in preschool practice and the Level 3 Diploma in Home Based Practice also were not assessed in the workplace.  I therefore contacted the Children's Workforce Development Council again to ask what those people are being advised to do (hoping I can do the same) and they have now suggested that I complete the Certificate in Early Years Foundation Stage Practice which apparently is a new (ish) 120 hour course at Level 3 (although not equalivalent to a full level 3) but it would include being assessed in the workplace.

Would be grateful to know if anyone has any other info on this course or if anyone has actually completed it and what they think of it.

by: loretta wood

it depends on which age group you want to work with as at my nursery to work young babies and young toddlers you would need a nvq3 as the course is aimed at the younger children but if you want to be room supervisor for pre-school a foundation degree with be ok.