There are different levels of qualification suitable for every stage of your career. These are outlined below:

• Foundation Level  
  For people with little or no experience of working with children.  If you attend college you will be given work placements to gain practical experience or as an apprentice you will train while you work.
  
  
• Level Two  
  For those who are working under supervision such as a  Nursery Assistant or Playgroup Assistant working with children under five or an assistant Playworker in an out of school setting.
  
  
• Level Three  
  For those who work on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and supervising others, for example, a Nursery Nurse, Playgroup Leader, Senior Playworker or a Childminder working on their own at home.
  
  
• Level Four  
  For experienced practitioners who carry out complex and non-routine tasks such as a manager of an early years nursery or out of school setting or a development officer for a local authority.
  
  
• Level Five (Foundation Degree)
  For those working as senior managers and development officers, perhaps working in a children’s centre or leading a small local authority play team, responding to policy and operational issues.
  
  
• Level Six and above  
  For those working as senior managers and development officers at strategic levels, perhaps managing several, varied teams and significant resources.