34 years old no GCSE's and want to work with disabled children?

Question

What qualifications do I need to be looking at getting to make my dream come true? I obviously would need to take a child development GCSE, but i dont have any previous maths or english exam results. Is there something faster than a maths and english GCSE that I could take? Answers appreciated!!!!

Answer 1

It depends how high up in your work you want to get.

To work with children as an assistant in a play scheme etc it shouldn't matter about quals- and i dont think child development GCSE would help with that.

Experience is the key really, get some experience, which may mean volunteering for a while, but that on a CV will help you no end. Play schemes, holiday clubs,special schools,  toddler groups, church sunday schools- there are lots of places which would welcome your help. It may mean working with all children first, not just disabled, but that will show your commitment and enthusiasm.

Once you have that experience you can apply to work at such places as a paid employee (volunteering can often lead to paid work at the same place, we do that at the charity i am at)

When you are employed you can then ask for training on the job, get some GNVQs etc and learn practical courses whilst employed and paid for by your employer.

You can do GCSEs part time evenings for your own personal development whilst working.

Answer 2

learn local do ALAN testing-this is maths and english exams that you do on a computer-level one and level 2-if you pass level 2 many companies see this is as equivilant to gcse grade a-c-many people i work with at my school have done this-its ususally free-good luck

Answer 3

You could try and do a GNVQ course in Health and social care, which would give you the equivelant of 4 GCSE.

Intermiediate level is a 1 year course, which could then be followed by a two year Advance level, which would be equivelant to 2 A levels.

Answer 4

There may be courses at your local college - why not give them a ring?

Answer 5

The Northern College,Barnsley South Yorkshire specialises in helping people in your position to get enough learning to help you to qualify for any job you would ever hope for. .They do short courses and longer ones any of which would suit your needs.If you contact them they may even know of a similar place wherever you live.

Answer 6

well why dont you do a college course at home there are websites for it

the website is www.icslearn.co.uk

have a look on this website

goodluck!

Answer 7

Try and contact your local education and learning department.  They will be able to let you know what key skills you will need to do in order to gain your qualification.

Answer 8

At my college there is adult learning classes for numeracy and literacy, this is a level 2 qualification which is equivalent to GCSE grade C and above.  Which is highly desirable for employers.  You could do a special education teacher course which specializes in working with disabled students/ children.

Answer 9

Are you already working/ need to work?

If not you can try going through the voluntary route - check with your local council for charities who work with disabled children and volunteer with them. You will be CRB checked, but once in you can ask about going through an NVQ route.

From there you can ask people who work there what sort of qualifications you would need.

Good luck