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Are there national programmes that support childcare training?
There are opportunities for Government-funded training in early education, childcare and playwork within 'Skillseekers', (which includes Modern Apprenticeships), the New Deal and Training for Work.
If you are aged 16-24 you may be eligible for the Skillseekers and Modern Apprenticeship programme in Early Years Care and Education. These programmes offer work-based training leading to SVQ level 2 or 3 in Early Years Care and Education. A Modern Apprenticeship in Playwork is also being developed.
If you are aged between 18 and 24 and have been unemployed for 6 months or more you may be eligible for the New Deal, a programme of support to help you find work. The programme includes training leading to a recognised qualification. A specific qualification for the New Deal has been developed which is the Scottish Progression Award in Children's Care and Play. If you complete the Scottish Progression Award you can then continue on to a full SVQ level 2 in Early Years Care and Education or Playwork.
If you are aged 25 or over and have been unemployed for 6 months or more you may be eligible for support under Training for Work. The programme includes opportunities for training towards work based qualifications, such as the SVQ levels 2 and 3 in Early Years Care and Education and Playwork.
If you want to know more about Skillseekers, Modern Apprenticeships, the New Deal, or Training for Work you should contact your nearest Employment Service office, Local Enterprise Company (LEC) or Careers Service.
Employers may also offer training courses for their staff. In addition, bodies such as the Scottish Independent Nurseries Association (SINA), the Scottish Pre-school Play Association (SPPA), the Gaelic Pre-school Council (CNSA), Highland Pre-school Service (HPS) and the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) provide their own training courses for their members. These courses will be useful for your everyday job, but might not be nationally recognised. If you are unsure whether a course an employer is offering is nationally recognised then you should speak to your employer or the careers service.
Is help available for the cost of qualifications?
If you are 16 or 17 and are following a Skillseekers (including Modern Apprenticeships) programme your LEC will provide funding for the training element. Many people on the Skillseekers programme are employed and will receive a wage. If you are 18-24 and are following a Skillseekers programme funding may be available from your LEC. You should contact your LEC to discuss the funding possibilities for Skillseekers and Modern Apprenticeships.
If you are studying towards non_advanced further education (FE) qualifications (such as National Certificate units or SVQs) in a FE college, you may be eligible for support towards tuition fee costs. You may also be eligible for a bursary that can help towards maintenance and travel costs. You should discuss this with your college. If you are working, your employer may be willing to pay tuition fee costs. You should discuss this with your employer. Access Funds are available for part-time and full-time further education students aged 16 and over who may have particular financial difficulty in accessing or continuing their courses. You should contact the Access Fund Manager at the college/institution or your student adviser for further information.
If you are in higher education (or studying for a higher education qualification in a FE college, such as an HNC), you may be eligible for assistance under the higher education support system. Your college/institution will be able to tell you whether your course is an eligible one.
If your course is eligible, you will be able to apply for means-tested help with tuition fees and for loans towards living costs. If you are studying part_time (especially if you are unemployed or on a low income) you may not have to pay fees under the fee waiver scheme. In addition, from autumn 2000, if you are studying part-time and are on a low income, you will be able to apply for a loan of up to £500 with course costs. Furthermore, if you have particular financial difficulties in accessing or continuing your course you may be eligible for assistance through Hardship Loans and/or Access Funds. You should discuss these options with your college/institution.
Generally, if you are a full-time higher education student you will not be entitled to social security benefits. However, if you have dependants or have a disability you may be eligible for some types of benefit. You should contact your local Benefits Agency office for advice. If you are studying part-time and are available for work, you may be eligible for Jobseekers Allowance (JSA).
If you are paying fees for your training, you can claim tax relief if you are working towards an SVQ, up to and including Level 4. The Inland Revenue leaflet IR119, entitled 'Tax Relief for Vocational Training' gives more information and is available from any Tax Office.
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