Am I qualified? -Advice needed!

Am I qualified? -Advice needed!

by: Darcey - 01-06-08 16:58

Hi there.

I have recently completed my second year of a 4 year degree: Primary Education with QTS (3-7years). I have now got a summer job in a private nursery and have a room of 3-5 year olds.

 My wages haven't been discussed yet and I can't work out whether i'm in any way qualified. I've been told that by completing 2 years of a degree means the equivalent of a foundation degree. I don't know how this transfers in terms of NVQ levels - and so whether I can request being paid more than the minimum wage. (read on a wbsite a foundation degree was level 5 - is that NVQ level 5?)

Additionally I have 10 GCSE's and 3 A Levels - not sure if they make any difference either.

 I'd just love to be armed with some info that I can take to the discussion of my wages, and basically if i'm entitled to anything more than min. wage - ask for it!!

Many thanks in advance,

Annie

by: Nut

Hello Annie,

Yes you are Qualified, my degree was 3s and we was told this is a level 6 ( you only need level 3 to be qualified) so I shold imagine, you have a level 6 or above.... Depends on the degree.

You should be paid as a qualified, but Nursery wages are not the best....

hope this helps

Claire  

by: timmylums

Hi Annie,I have my degree in early years education and am currently in my validation period of my EYPS. I did two years of QTS but majored in Early Years as I was already aware of the EYPS course. When I signed up at a local supply agency I was told that a degree, although level 6 is not recognised as qualified and therefore I would only be paid at level 2. When I spoke to my tutor she was appalled and said that I had done enough practical experience to be seen as qualified. The agency have now increased my pay. it appears that Ofsted do not recognise you as qualified to level 3 and therefore some settings are unsure about employing graduates. This is something that is currently under investigation as it appears that people who spend time studying to a higher level  are bypassed when it comes to employment,           

by: EarlyYearsConsultant

Hi There Annie 

If you are only part of the way through your primary education degree and you havent undertaken any level 2 or 3 training in early years, childcare and education then its likely that the nursery could deem you to be unqualified and pay you what ever their minimum salary is. you can map your current qualifications in with the national qualifications framework or at the childrens workforce development council website http://www.cwdcouncil.org.uk 

However there is very good news too... because all early years settings should be working towards having a degree qualified person within your setting this will be your weight in negotiating pay becuase if the nursery has any sense they will want to keep you and invest in you, your qualification and experience within there company/ setting.

During your negotiations rather than sell your qualification, sell YOURSELF! what you have to offer, how that is benefitting the nursery/ children/ parents and owners. Also be firm and say what you want. A few years back I was given a job as a nursery manager becuase of good negotiation skills I was able to get them to secure me a salary that was 7K higher than there longest standing nursery manager and worked on a regional manager pay scale. its all in your communication strength with them in your negotiations. GOOD LUCK ANNIE!!!

by: Fsklha

I have to say that I don't think you would be considered to be qualified having not completed your degree.  Look at it as good experience!

by: Tink84

Ok when i did my degree in Early Years: Care and Educations and Childhood Studies it was broken down as followed

Year 1 level 4

Year 2 leve 5

Year 3 level 6

I would say you are more than qualified being at least a level 3 if not a 5.

Goodluck with the job, hope your experience of a private nursery is better than mine