I don't want to put you off entering the sector; but before you start committing yourself and your money, it may be beneficial to find out what qualifications that settings want - and what type of setting you are thinking of working in.

Nurseries may accept NVQ 2s as they have quite a number of staff and rooms for different ages, but Pre-school settings normally require NVQ 3 plus English and Numeracy level 2. I run a setting and am required to provide qualification audits to early years - it's all linked into the funding. Needless to say most settings want those with higher qualifications.

I'd just ask around first before you pay out £800 -1000, only to find out the qualification not worth what it once was. Also, your child's nursery allowing you to do a bit of work does not guarantee employment - however nice they are to you. I have mothers every week asking if we have staff vacancies.

I don't want to dishearten you, when you seem to be so enthusiastic, but please check things out first, so you are armed with all the facts - cost, viability of qualification, openings/opportunities of possible employment in this sector in your area (whether that is in a nursery/out of school club or a pre-school), willingness to continue to learn, study and take exams.

thankyou heidi i definately will i have been thinking about this for a long time but just unsure where to start really but thankyou you ve certainly give me a bit to think about