Qualifications and career options

A detailed list of relevant early years and childcare qualifications is available from Social Care Wales and SkillsActive qualification framework (opens new window).

There are many different ways of gaining a childcare of playwork qualification including training whilst employed, by attending college or through distance or lifelong learning centres.

You may wish to complete the course on a full or part-time basis depending on your circumstances.

Full-time courses may offer students the opportunity to go out into the workplace. Thus enabling them to put their underpinning knowledge into practice. It also allows students to gain practical experience of working alongside qualified staff and children of differing age ranges relevant to the course.

Part-time courses offer students the flexibility to continue or start employment whilst completing a childcare qualification. Students may be required to attend college for a few hours a week, usually in the evening.

For more information and advice on the best course for you, please contact your local college, Careers Wales (opens new window) or Family Information Service (FIS).

The Family Information Service (FIS) also offers many courses, including:

• first aid for child carers
• enriching children's play
• first aid at work
• manual handling
• child development
• child protection
• managing and valuing diversity
• the business side of childcare
• basic food hygiene
• Welsh
• foundation phase
• equal opportunities
• interactive displays

There are also a number of organisations within the City and County of Swansea who offer training opportunities, these include:

• Wales Pre-school Providers Association
• Mudiad Meithrin
• Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids' Clubs
• PACEY Cymru

You can contact Family Information Service (FIS) for more information.