Routes into Education Teaching and Early Ye a r s in Kent and Medway www.ahkandm.ac.uk Introduction

Do you have a lot of patience, enthusiasm and a desire to help others learn and grow? If so, a career in education might be for you! Whether it is teaching science at secondary school, Portuguese at primary school or helping toddlers take their first steps, there are many options within teaching and early years worth exploring.

In this booklet you will find information about the opportunities available in Kent and Medway to get the qualifications you need. Many of the courses are flexible and even family friendly. The government has recognized the Some students choose to take a year or two growing need for teachers, especially out before taking a second, or even a third in areas such as science, maths and course. Of course this means you’re always languages; and there may be special improving your career and pay prospects as incentives available in these areas. well. Take a look at the progression maps enclosed at the back of this booklet: one gives a route into teaching and the other into early years and educational support. The maps indicate which courses are available where and what type of employment or further courses they can lead on to. Please seek advice before enrolling on a course to make sure it is the best one for you.

www.ahkandm.ac.uk 1 Which Career?

There are many different jobs in the primary and secondary education sectors as well as in early years. The following are just a few examples of jobs in this field to get you started:

WORKING IN EARLY YEARS AND CHILD CARE

Please see Early Years and Education Support map in the back of this booklet to get started

Childminder Cares for children in the carer’s home- may involve multiple families at once.

Maternity Nurse Helps new mothers in all aspects of caring for the newborn, ranging from advice on breast feeding to establishing a routine and bathing, and helping mum get back on her feet. They are usually very experienced nannies and are on duty 24 hours a day, 6 days a week.

Nanny Cares for children in children’s home – may be a live in position.

Nursery Nurse Works in child care centres and hospitals, working directly with babies, toddlers and children.

Nursery Officer Part of a team involved in the preparation and delivery of a variety of stimulating activities for babies, toddlers and pre-school children.

Officer in Charge Responsible for the care centre including childcare, finance, staffing and liaising with parents and professionals.

Playgroup/ Organises play programmes for children in playgroups, crèche, Creche Worker breakfast clubs, holiday schemes and out of school care.

2 www.ahkandm.ac.uk Which Career?

WORKING IN SCHOOLS and with School-age Students Please see Teaching and Early Years & Education Support map in the back of this booklet to get started

Classroom Assistant Supports the teacher in the classroom. Works with small groups and individuals. Supervises at break times and helps on school trips.

Connexions Provide information, advice and guidance for 13 to 19 year olds in Personal Advisor areas such as careers, training and employment, difficulties at home or school, and personal problems.

Head Teacher Provides leadership and management for the school and may also teach a few upper-level classes.

Learning Mentor Provides support and guidance to children, young people and those engaging with them by removing barriers to learning in order to promote effective participation, enhance individual learning, raise aspirations and achieve full potential.

Lecturer Teach adult students in a specific academic or vocational subject which they have studied to an advanced level. They are usually also conducting their own research.

Music Teacher May teach a general music class in a school or teach a particular musical instrument in the home.

Seminar Leader Lead student discussions and clarify information taught in the lecture in an area in which they are becoming or already are an expert.

Teacher Educates students in the school environment. They can teach a variety of subjects at primary and secondary level. Secondary school level requires focus on a minimum of one subject area.

Teaching Assistant Prepares classes, organises and plays games with the children, helps students with their work.

Youth Worker Plans and organises sports programmes and other activities in youth centres. They promote the personal, political, educational and social development of young people.

www.ahkandm.ac.uk 3 Case Study 1

I left school at 16 with very few AKALIZA qualifications as I wanted to start working. I got a job in a primary school and since my English was ok, I managed to get work as a teaching assistant. Two years later, the experience I had gained made me consider the possibility of primary school teaching. I talked to my local university and found out about Foundation Degrees. I did my Cache Level 3 Diploma in Early Years and was then offered a place on the Early Years Foundation Degree. It’s really good because I can continue working whilst I study. I haven’t made up my mind what to do next. I could take this qualification and get a higher paid job in a nursery or other education setting, or I could go on and get my BA in Early Years. If I did that, I could do teacher training and become a primary school teacher. All these options are so exciting, I feel really confident about the future and my future employment options.

The case studies in this booklet are fictional examples based on the experience of real students. 4 www.ahkandm.co.uk Apprenticeships Early Years employers are looking for candidates with practical experience and skills and apprenticeships are a great way to achieve this. Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes with the opportunity to earn money, gain qualifications and learn new knowledge and skills all at the same time.

What do you learn on an apprenticeship? An apprentice follows a training programme based on a framework developed by the industry. It defines the content of learning and this will vary for each industry. However, all frameworks have three parts: 1. NVQ (National Vocational Qualification): developing skills in a work-based learning environment. 2. Technical Certificate: learning the theory behind the work-based learning experience. 3. The development of key skills, including communication, IT, problem solving, number and personal skills.

Apprenticeship (Level 2) - equivalent to 5 GCSEs A-C grade. There are no set entry requirements. Check with your provider.

Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) – equivalent to A-Levels/HNC/BTEC. You will need 5 GCSEs at grade A-C, or you can progress from the Apprenticeship programme (above).

How to Apply Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16-24 who is not already in full-time education. There are different ways to apply: 1. Call the national Apprenticeships helpline on 08000 150 600 2. Apply by going direct to an employer who offers apprenticeships 3. Contact your local learning provider or training provider to see which apprenticeships they offer. Contact details for learning providers are found in the back of this booklet Private providers such as KEITS (www.keits.co.uk) and KEY Training Services (www. keytrainingservices.org.uk) through Kent County Council are also good sources to explore. For more information, check out www.apprenticeships.org.uk or ask your advisor about the National Apprenticeships Vacancy Matching Service.

www.ahkandm.ac.uk 5 What is that?

In the world of teaching, there are so many terms mentioned, it can be a bit confusing. So, we’ve tried to make it a bit less complicated by explaining some of the more common ones.

Golden Hello This is a one-time financial bonus for postgraduate home and EU trainees teaching priority subjects. GTP Graduate Teacher Programme- on-the-job training allowing graduates to qualify as a teacher while they work. It’s often a good choice for mature students who want to change to a teaching career, but need to continue earning while they train. GTPlus An employment based route into secondary teaching for graduates in Maths, Science and Design & Technology. It follows a similar pattern to the secondary GTP, but with additional subject specific training and support that continues into the NQT year. ITT Initial Teacher Training- This is the overarching term for all training programs that prepare students to become teachers. National Curriculum Art and Design, Citizenship, Design and Technology, English, Geography, Subjects: History, Information and Communication Technology, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, PE, Science, Religious Education, Careers Education, Work-related Learning, Personal, Social and Health Education. NQT Newly Qualified Teacher-a teacher who has just achieved QTS and is usually in their induction year. PGCE Post Graduate Certificate in Education- one of the most common routes into teaching for recent university graduates. Priority Subjects These are subjects the government has recognised as being in greater need of teachers. This list changes frequently, but at the time of publication included: mathematics, science, modern languages, design and technology, English and drama, ICT, music and engineering. QTS Qualified Teacher Status- achieved through successful completion of Initial Teacher Training. RTP Registered Teacher Programme-provides a blend of work-based teacher training and academic study, allowing non-graduates with some experience of higher education to complete their degree and qualify as a teacher at the same time. SCITT School-Centered Initial Teacher Training- designed and delivered by groups of neighbouring schools and colleges for graduates that want to complete their training in a school environment. Programmes are taught by experienced, practising teachers, and often tailored towards local teaching needs. All SCITT courses lead to qualified teacher status (QTS) and many will also award a PGCE.

6 www.ahkandm.ac.uk Case Study 2

THOMAS

After A-Levels I went and worked in my dad’s business, but I couldn’t see myself doing that forever. I investigated different job options and found that teaching sounded interesting. I managed to do a couple of weeks work experience in a local primary and secondary school, but even having done that, I’m not sure which age range I’d like to teach. I decided to start a BA in Education Studies. With this qualification I can go into either primary or secondary teaching, and the course gives me time to study and learn about what it will be like working with students. Because I’ve just turned 22, I think this degree will help my confidence in working with kids far more than if I had gone straight through and taken a general BA. I’m currently looking for a school to sponsor me through a GTP course, but if I don’t get it, I’ll do a PGCE.

The case studies in this booklet are fictional examples based on the experience of real students. Tasters & Other Qualifications

iTeach A partnership between Canterbury Christ Church University and Hibernia College in Ireland. iTeach delivers online initial teacher education to students across who wish to pursue a flexible and convenient route to becoming a qualified teacher. See: www.iteach.ac.uk. Open Learn This is a fantastic resource available through the , which provides free access to all OU course materials. There are over 30 courses directly related to education as well as many others in a variety of subjects. It is a great way to learn a bit more about different areas and continue learning, whatever stage of life you’re in. See: http://openlearn.open.ac.uk Student Associate For HND, foundation degree, undergraduate or postgraduate Scheme students interested in gaining classroom experience while pursuing their studies. There is a tax-free bursary around £40 for every day spent in school or college during the scheme. All students are given a training and induction programme to prepare them for working with young people. You will then spend fifteen days in a school or college working alongside experienced teachers and assisting them in classroom teaching. See: www.canterbury.ac.uk/education/student-associate-scheme Teach First A programme run by an independent organisation enabling top graduates to spend two years working in challenging secondary schools in London, Manchester and the Midlands. It is for high-flying graduates who may not otherwise have considered teaching or aren’t sure of it as a long-term career. It leads to qualified teacher status (QTS) but also provides the potential to develop a commercially- oriented career through high quality teacher and leadership training, internships, coaching, work experience with leading employers and networking. See www.teachfirst.org.uk for more details.

8 www.ahkandm.ac.uk 14 - 19 Diplomas

This is a new qualification, designed by employers, that is being introduced in phases, starting September 2008. By 2011, Diplomas should be widely available throughout the nation. At the moment, there is not a Diploma specifically for education, teaching or early years. However, there are quite a few options for students in this area.

Society, Health and Development Diploma

This is the part of the first phase of diplomas, offered from 2008 and focuses on children and young people as well as health, community justice, social care and others. This would be helpful if you are working in early years; but it would also be good to understand young people and community justice if you chose to work with older students or even excluded young people.

17 Different Diplomas

The four others currently available are Engineering, Construction and the Built Environment, Information Technology and Creative and Media. Up coming topics include Land-based Studies, Business Administration and Finance, Public Services and others. Many education providers become specialists in an area first and then obtain an extra qualification to teach in their area of expertise. If you choose this route, there are many course options available to you.

In addition to the specific focus of any given diploma, English, Maths and ICT are also included to give you the skills necessary to succeed in life and employment. Diplomas are offered by a partnership of institutions, which means you will not spend all your time sitting at a desk in a classroom. Activities will take place in your college or school, as well as with local employers or businesses.

There are three levels of Diploma:

1. The Foundation Diploma: lasts about the same length as four GCSEs and can be started in year 10 or year 12.

2. The Higher Diploma: lasts about the same length as five or six GCSEs and can be started in year 10 or year 12.

3. The Advanced Diploma: lasts about the same length as three A levels.

For more information on 14-19 Diplomas see: yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas, www.dcfs.gov.uk/14-19 or www.qca.org.uk/14-19

www.ahkandm.ac.uk 9 Case Study 3

SHEILA

I’m 19 and left school after GCSE’s and have spent the past couple of years working in a range of jobs and trying to work out what I want to do. I really thought I would enjoy working with small children and decided to take a CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Childcare and Education. It deals with all the practical aspects of looking after really young children, as well as their social and emotional development. I’m currently applying for jobs as an assistant in day nurseries and creches, but I’m also looking into my options for further study. If I do well, I’ll be able to get a place on the CACHE Level 3 course in Childcare and Education. This would mean I can get work as a nursery nurse and as I gain more work experience I might be able to move into a supervisory or managerial role. Ultimately, I’d like to own my own nursery so I’d be making better money and be my own boss. Sources of Info

Further Education Colleges in Kent and Medway For information about: Educational guidance, Financial information, Course information including NVQs, CACHE, Certificates and Diplomas, GCSEs, City and Guilds, Access, A-Levels, HND/C, Foundation degrees. CANTERBURY COLLEGE Tel: 01227 811111 Canterbury Email: [email protected] Web: www.cant-col.ac.uk MID-KENT COLLEGE Tel: 01634 830633 Chatham, Rochester, Maidstone Email: [email protected] Web: www.midkent.ac.uk NORTH Tel: 0800 074 1447 Dartford and Gravesend Email: [email protected] Web: www.nwkcollege.ac.uk SOUTH KENT COLLEGE Tel: 0845 207 8220 Ashford, , , Email: [email protected] New Romney Web: www.southkent.ac.uk THANET COLLEGE Tel: 01843 605040 Broadstairs Email: [email protected] Web: www.thanet.ac.uk WEST KENT COLLEGE Tel: 01732 358101 Tonbridge Email: [email protected] Web: www.wkc.ac.uk

Higher Education Institutions in Kent and Medway For information about: Degree and Foundation Degrees, Registered and Graduate Teacher programmes, Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), flexible PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) CANTERBURY CHRIST CHURCH Tel: 01227 767700 UNIVERSITY Email: [email protected] Broadstairs, Canterbury, Chatham Web: www.canterbury.ac.uk and Folkestone UNIVERSITY OF GREENWICH Tel: 0800 005 006 Chatham and Greenwich Email: [email protected] Web: www.gre.ac.uk OPEN UNIVERSITY Tel: 0870 333 4340 Email: [email protected] Web: www.open.ac.uk Tel: 01227 764000 Canterbury and Medway Email: [email protected] web: www.kent.ac.uk UNIVERSITY COLLEGE Tel: 01227 817302, 01622 620000, 01634 888702 FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS email: [email protected] Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, web: www.ucreative.ac.uk Maidstone and Rochester

www.ahkandm.ac.uk 11 More Info cont.

Teaching and Early Years sources National Childminding Royal Court, 81 Tweedy Information on childminding and nannying. Association (NCMA) Road Bromley, Kent BR1 1TG www.ncma.org.uk 0800 169 4486 Pre-school Learning 2nd Floor, Enterprise House Educational charity specialising in Early Years. Alliance II Avebury Avenue,Tonbridge Kent TN9 1TL www.pre-school.org.uk 01732 363070 Training and 151 Buckingham Palace For comprehensive information on how to become a teacher, Development Agency Road, London SW1W 9SZ what the job is like and the financial support available. for Schools www.tda.gov.uk 0845 6000 991

Other Progression-related Sources Access to HE www.accesstohe.ac.uk Information about Access courses for students with non- traditional qualifications or none at all. Aimhigher www.aimhigher.ac.uk Impartial information about Further and Higher Education. Direct Gov www.direct.gov.uk The official government website for citizens. It includes information about education, employment and everything in-between. Hotcourses www.hotcourses.com Search engine and database for educational opportunities across the UK. Kent Adult Education www.kent.gov.uk/adulted Educational guidance and course information on Learning Service 08458 247247 Support courses, GCSEs, City and Guilds, LSA courses, CLANSA, A-Levels, OCN courses. Kent & Medway www.gohigher.org.uk This website provides information on courses in colleges and Lifelong Learning universities for students already in the work place. Network Learn Direct www.learndirect-advice.co.uk Advice on qualifications, careers and other training. Medway Adult Green Street, Gillingham, Educational guidance and course information for students Learning Council Kent ME7 5TJ over 16. www.medway.gov.uk/index/ learning/adults-2.htm 01634 306000 Prospects www.prospects.ac.uk A good source of information for university students for postgraduate qualifications and career opportunities. UCAS - Universities www.ucas.com This website provides details of types of courses and where and Colleges they are offered. It is also the central organisation that Admissions Service processes applications for full-time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges.

Some of the information in this publication may change. Aimhigher Kent and Medway recommend you contact individual institutions for course information and entry requirements. 12 www.ahkandm.ac.uk Routes into Education Teaching and Early Years in Kent and Medway

Ben Lisbon, Inspire to Aim Higher 2008 Art Competition entry

These booklets have been produced in collaboration with the Kent & Medway Lifelong Learning Network

Canterbury Christ Church University Hall Place, Harbledown, Canterbury, Kent CT2 9AG

Tel: 01227 782565 Website: www.ahkandm.ac.uk

© 2008 Aimhigher Kent and Medway 2nd Edition ROUTES INTO EARLY YEARS & EDUCATION SUPPORT

Key to Institutions Industry Experience Relevant Industry Experience Relevant Industry Experience Successful Interview Canterbury College

Mid-Kent College GCSEs Grades E-G/ North West Kent College No Qualifications GCSEs Grade D - G GCSEs Grade A* - C Access Course / Access Course / South Kent College A level / Advanced GCE A level / Advanced GCE Thanet College West Kent College Level 3 Canterbury Christ Church University Level 1 Level 2 Level 4 (HE) University of Kent Classroom-based Qualifications* Classroom-based Qualifications* BA Classroom-based Qualifications* Level 4 (HE) Qualifications University of Greenwich - CACHE Diploma in Child Care and Education (3years FT/ 5-6years PT) - Foundation Award in Caring for Open University 2 yrs FT - CACHE Diploma in Child Care - NVQ Children’s Care, Learning and Young People and Children and Education Development - Child and Youth Studies * Dark blue bordered boxes at the top of this 1 yr FT map show the different possible general entry (Senior Staff with Management requirements for the corresponding level Opportunities only) - Childhood Studies 2 yrs PT

- Early Childhood Studies - Certificate in Higher Education Support for Learners with Additional Educational Work-based Qualifications** Needs (requires GCSE English and 2 - Early Years years work experience) - NVQ in Children’s Care, Learning - CACHE Certificate in Child Care and 1 yr FT and Development - Education Studies Education (City and Guilds or CACHE) - Higher National Diploma in Advanced 1 yr FT 1 yr PT Practice Working with Children and - Lifelong Learning Families - CACHE Award in Child Care - NVQ in Playwork 1 yr PT 2 yrs FT - Open Degree and Education Work-based Qualifications** 1 yr FT - City and Guilds NVQ in Health Work-based Foundation Degree** and Social Care (2yrs FT/5-6yrs PT) CACHE - CACHE Technical Certificate in (Children and Young People) 9 months PT - Early Childhood Studies Entry level preparation for Children’s Care, Learning and Childcare (12 weeks FT) Work-based Qualifications** Development - Child and Youth Studies

- NVQ in Children’s Care, Learning and - Child Studies with - NCFE Certificate in Developing Development Subject Specialisation Skills for Early Years Practice (City and Guilds or CACHE) 1 yr PT - Community Development (Crèche work/playgroup work) 12 weeks PT - NVQ in Playwork - Early Years 6 months PT - Education Administration

- Health and Social Care (Early Years) - NVQ Teaching Assistant - NVQ Teaching Assistant - Informal and Community Education (CACHE, City and Guilds, OCR) Abbreviations: (CACHE, City and Guilds, OCR) 1 yr PT - Intellectual and Developmental A Levels - Advanced Level, a General Certificate of Education (usually after GCSE’s) 1 yr PT Disabilities ACCESS Course - Entry qualification for Degrees and professional training courses for mature - Learning Mentors students Advanced Apprenticeships Bachelor of Arts (Degree) BA - Apprenticeships See booklet page 5 - Learning Support CACHE – Certificate in Childcare and Education- provides vocational training and qualifications See booklet page 5 Teaching Assistance - Working with Young People Foundation Degree- higher education work-based Early Years qualification equivalent to the first two years of a Early Years - Lifelong Learning BA/BSc degree GCSE- General Certificate of Secondary Education FT - Full time course PT - Part time course *Classroom-based Qualifications Job Options Job Options Job Options Job Options Job Options The majority of the course is based on academic assessment in a college environment, but it includes Crèche worker Nursery Assistant Nursery Supervisor, Crèche Leader, Supervisor role in a variety Unqualified Teacher, Youth and work experience in the college or on placement: Play group worker Crèche Assistant Playgroup Leader, Pre-school Leader, of Early Years settings Community Worker, Adult Education current employment not a prerequisite. Playgroup Assistant Special Educational Needs Supporter, Advanced Teaching Assistant, Learning Organiser, Careers/Personal Advisor **Work-based Qualifications Toy library worker All assessments take place in the work place. Nursery Nurse, Nanny/Child-minder, Mentor, Youth Worker, Nursery Supervisor, (Connexions), Education and Welfare You must have a minimum of 12 months work Mother’s Helper Classroom Assistant. Crèche Leader. Officer, SupervisorSocial Worker experience and be employed at least 16 hours a week and have employer approval for 1 day a week Babysitter/au pair release for theory instruction at college hence the part-time classification. Some of the information in this publication may change. Aimhigher Kent and Medway recommend you contact individual institutions for course information and entry requirements. Key to Institutions Canterbury College ROUTES INTO TEACHING IN KENT AND MEDWAY Mid-Kent College North West Kent College South Kent College Thanet College West Kent College Canterbury Christ Church University University College for the Creative Arts University of Kent University of Greenwich A-Levels/Advanced GCE or Access Course or Advanced NVQ Open University

* Dark blue bordered boxes at the top of this map show the different possible general entry requirements for the corresponding level Level 4 (HE) Job Options

Primary Teacher Level 3 Qualification in Education-related BA/BSs (3-4 yrs FT/ 5-6 yrs PT) subject and work experience BA in Primary Education with QTS Level 4 (HE) * See other side of this map Work based Foundation Degree Top Up BA in Primary Education (2yrs FT/5-6 yrs PT) with QTS Level 3 Qualification in relevant subject Leading to final year of BA and currently employed 2 days a week For Early Years and other related Foundation BA in Design Technology with Secondary Job Options Degrees, please see Foundation Degrees included on Early Years and Educational Support Education Secondary Teacher map on reverse leading to QTS - Post-Compulsory Education and BSC in Mathematics and Secondary Training Education leading to QTS and jointly Teaching Qualifications BSC in Science and Secondary Education Area of Expertise (Level 3 minimum) Diploma in Teaching in Lifelong with QTS and current teaching opportunity Learning Sector PGCE in Primary Education 90 hours per year 2yrs including PTLLS & CTLLS Teaching Job Options (Full time sessional or voluntary) BA Child and Youth Studies Placement Primary Teacher GTP or SCITT (in School) BA Early Childhood Studies (see booklet page 6) GCSE English C or above and 1 A-Level BA Early Years or - Certificate in Higher Education in BA Education Studies Job Options Literacy/numeracy testing and relevant support for Learners with Additional PGCE Secondary Teacher experience Education Needs BA Music Education GTP 1yr PT SCITT (see booklet page 6) - Certificate in Delivering Learning Top Up BA in Lifelong Learning Job Options (in post-complusary Sector) 1-2 yrs 45hrs PT Post-Compulsory Teacher/Lecturer Diploma in Teaching in Lifelong Learning Sector Abbreviations: - NOCN Advanced Certificate in Any BS/BSc with at least 50% National A Levels - Advanced Level, a General Certificate of information, Advice and Guidance Curriculum Subject Education (usually after GCSE’s) (see booklet page 6) ACCESS Certificate - Entry qualification for Certificate in Subject Specialism Degrees and professional training courses for mature students BA - Bachelor of Arts (Degree) Basic Skills BSc - Bachelor of Science Any BS/BSc and current teaching opportunity CACHE – Certificate in Childcare and Education- Teaching English provides vocational training and qualifications at least 90 hrs per year Foundation Degree- higher education work-based qualification equivalent to the first two years of a Job Options BA/BSc degree GCSE- General Certificate of Secondary Education Specialist/Advanced Teaching Assistant GTP - Graduate Teacher Programme Further Education Lecturer PGCE - Post Graduate Certificate of Education Learning Mentor QTS - Qualified Teacher Status Youth Worker RTP - Registered Teacher Programme Adult Education Organiser SCITT - School Cetred Teacher Programme Some of the information in this publication may change. Aimhigher Kent and Medway recommend you contact individual institutions for course information and entry requirements.