Read More - Northern Ireland Childminding Association
Transcription
Read More - Northern Ireland Childminding Association
“ARE YOU INTERESTED IN UNDERTAKING A NEW QUALIFICATION FOR CHILDMINDERS?” Level 2 Certificate in Childminding Practice (Northern Ireland) NICMA are delighted to announce the launch of the new Level 2 Certificate in Childminding Practice (Northern Ireland). NICMA have worked with Ascentis Awarding Organisation to develop this qualification that is specifically for Childminders in Northern Ireland. There are currently 47 Childminders from different Trusts areas throughout Northern Ireland undertaking the new qualification. The Level 2 Certificate in Childminding Practice (Northern Ireland) is based on the Childminding and Day Care for Children under 12 years - Minimum Standards (DHSSPSNI, 2012) and forms part of NICMA’s Training Framework. It is suitable for ALL Childminders regardless of whether or not they have any previous childcare qualifications. For some it can form a pathway of progression to the Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Care Learning & Development and for others is will be an excellent opportunity to update their knowledge and skills in quality childminding practice. NICMA’s Training Manager, Susan Anderson, says: “Well trained and competent childminders understand the pattern of children’s development and learning and are able to offer a full range of play and learning opportunities that will allow children to reach their full potential”. she explains. “By completing the new Level 2 qualification childminders will acquire new skills, enhancing their practice and building their confidence and self-esteem. They become upskilled on all aspects of childminding practice and learn how to introduce new activities and experiences for children. The qualification is on the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) and has a credit value of 16. It is delivered using a distance learning method. When undertaking the qualification learners are assigned an assessor who will provide support throughout. This support will be provided via email, telephone, text and 1-1 sessions. NICMA will provide learners with information as to how the assessment criteria in each of five units will be met using a variety of methods i.e. reflective accounts, diary evidence, witness testimonies, assignments etc. They are required to build a portfolio of evidence and when each unit is complete they will forward all evidence to their allocated assessor for marking. To assess competence the assessor will also carry out a direct observation of the learner’s childminding practice within their setting when the minded children are present. One of the Childminders from the Southern Trust area taking part in the pilot can already see the benefits of the training. Ellie McKenna, a Registered Childminder from Armagh says: “I feel the course has given me more confidence and my practice will seem more professional to parents”. The new Level 2 qualification not only benefits the children and their parents. “Childminders can offer a higher quality service as they are up-to-date on current childcare practice” says Susan “They are investing in their business by gaining a recognised qualification which may be their unique selling point and help parents make an informed choice on the type of quality childcare they choose for their child.” NICMA are hoping to run a self-funded project for registered Childminders who wish to undertake the new qualification. The cost is £450 for NICMA members and £600 for nonmembers payable by instalments. Groups of 5 or more Childminders interested in completing it together will receive a £50 discount off the cost. Information sessions will be held in June 2015 which will give you further information on what’s involved in undertaking the qualification and the course will commence in September 2015. If you would like to express an interest in undertaking the qualification or for further information please contact the NICMA Office: 02891 811015 or NICMA’s Training Manager Susan Anderson at [email protected]