What qualifications do you need a playgroup assistant?

Question

Both essential and desirable..

Answer 1

depends how fussy they can afford to be-many private ones will take u on tho the pay will be low-qualifications will help u to choose more options-nvqs are worth having but youll need to be in a placement somwhere also

Answer 2

Contact your local Pre-School Playgroup Association who run courses for playgroup assistants.

Answer 3

Learning through play course set up by the playgroup association is a good thing to do.

To start as long as you are enthusiastic and love children there may not need qualifications but will put you on their basic course.

You can work towards a diploma that does hold good stead to move on to become a nursery nurse as it is equivalent to some of the nursery nurse courses.

I started off in playgroups and then moved up the ladder did every course they had and trust me they are fantastic courses that can lead to careers.

Answer 4

As a preschool owner, I would be just as interested in a person's experience and aptitude for engaging with children as their qualifications. But I am impressed when people have made the effort to go on courses or gain qualifications.

Eventually, I think that all staff working with children will be required to have a minimum of an NVQ3 qualification. Everyone, especially people who don't have children of their own, should have some child development training. A good knowledge of that is essential. You also need to know and understand how children learn.

However, that said, it's a personality thing. You're either cut out to work with children or you're not. I would want to see how any prospective employee interacts with the children in my setting before offering them a job. Oh yes, and a willingness to do all the unglamorous jobs like chaning nappies and washing paint pots. It really winds me up when we have people on placements who think that washing dishes is beneath them, when I as the owner and manager do it every day. You need to be willing and be able to work autonomously.

Hope this helps. :-)