Sara Harrison and Mandy Brown of Community Childcare Services

Out-of-school worker

Answers supplied by Sara Harrison and Mandy Brown, supervisor and administrator for Community Childcare Services which provide quality breakfast, after school and holiday care for three to 12 year olds at Chapel Break Village Hall in Bowthorpe.

What does the job entail?
You will be providing safe, stimulating play to fulfil the needs of the children in your care. This can range from craft activities such as painting, cooking and making things to playing games outdoors. You will be supplying breakfast meals and other snacks and drinks depending on the time of day you have the children. Occasionally you may also be involved in organising trips such as bowling activities and from time to time you may need to carry out first aid treatment.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
You do not necessarily need any qualifications but a willingness to learn and to take training courses as they come up is important. Some qualifications are useful such as first aid training and BTEC, DPP, NNEB or an NVQ level 3 in playwork.

What type of person will fit in?
Someone who is enthusiastic with a genuine interest in the welfare and happiness of children and young people. You must also be willing to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
This can be a good job if you have a family as it can fit round your own commitments or in some cases you may be able to take your own children in to work with you. It is an enjoyable job which can be interesting and unpredictable at times and there is a sense of achievement. However some of the hours can be a bit unsociable like the breakfast clubs.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
You can begin as an unqualified worker and with further training you can progress to become a supervisor and eventually go on to run your own facility.

What can I expect to earn?
As an assistant you would earn between the minimum wage and £5.50 per hour, a qualified senior worker would earn around £6 per hour and a supervisor around £6.50 per hour. Pay can depend on how many children you have in your care as you will end up working more hours the more children you have on your books.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
Most child care providers are willing to accept volunteer workers so you could gain experience this way. Check the job pages of local newspapers or a vacancy list for the Norfolk area is available online at www.childcarelink.gov.uk or by calling 01603 622292. Local newsletters and notice boards are also good places to check.