Donegal County Childcare Committee Ltd.

The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a system of ten levels that originated through the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999. Each level is based on nationally agreed standards of knowledge, skill and competence, i.e., what an individual is expected to know, understand and be able to do following successful completion of a process of learning. The NFQ accommodates qualifications gained in schools, the workplace, the community, training centres, colleges and universities, from the most basic to the most advanced levels of learning. Please see the ‘fan diagram’ below of the NFQ:

Awarding Bodies

An awarding body is a body that has the legal power to make an award (qualification) in order to recognise your learning. A number of national awarding bodies with a statutory (legal) basis in Ireland have had their qualifications included in the NFQ.

The national awarding bodies include:

Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC)

The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) is the national awarding body for all further education and training awards included in the NFQ from Levels 1 to 6.

Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC)

The Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) makes higher education and training awards outside of the university sector from NFQ  Levels 6 to 10.

Institutes of Technology (IoT)

The Institutes of Technology (IoT) make their own awards at specified levels under delegated authority from HETAC. These are included in the NFQ from Levels 6 to 10.

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT)

The Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) makes awards in the NFQ from Levels 6 to10.

Universities

The Universities make awards at NFQ Levels 7 to 10. There are eight universities in Ireland; they are,

Dublin City University (DCU); National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG); National University of Ireland, Maynooth; University College Cork (UCC); University College Dublin (UCD); University of Limerick (UL) Trinity College Dublin (TCD); The National University of Ireland (NUI) also makes awards directly in the colleges it recognises, i.e., the Institute of Public Administration (IPA); the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI); the National College of Art and Design (NCAD); Milltown Institute; and, the Shannon College of Hotel Management.

Award-Types in the National Framework of Qualifications

The NFQ includes different classes or categories of awards in order to recognise both large and smaller packages of learning. This gives the learner the freedom to build their qualifications in ways that suit their needs.

There are four classes of award-types:

• Major Awards are the main class of award made at a level.  These include awards such as the Leaving Certificate, the Advanced Certificate and the Honours Bachelor Degree.
• Minor Awards provide recognition for learners who achieve a range of learning outcomes but not the specific combination of learning outcomes required for a major award. These awards allow learners to build up units of learning at their own pace to meet their own needs.
• Special-purpose awards are made for very specific purposes and are normally not linked to a major award. Supplemental awards are for learning which is additional to a previous award. They could, for example, relate to updating and refreshing knowledge or skills, or to continuing professional development.

Frequently Asked Questions about providers and the qualifications included in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

How do I know if a Further Education and Training Provider is registered with FETAC?

FETAC maintains a list of recognised Education and Training Providers on their website. Please see www.fetac.ie/qa/ProviderQAList.htm

Please ensure that both the awarding body and the particular course you wish to pursue is recognised through the NFQ.

How do I know if a Higher Education and Training Provider is registered with HETAC?

A list of HETAC accredited providers can be seen at http://www.hetac.ie/links.cfm?sID=20

Please ensure that both the awarding body and the particular course you wish to pursue is recognised through the National Framework of Qualifications

I gained my qualification in another country. Can it be recognised through the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)?

Qualifications made in other countries can be recognised here. Qualifications Recognition, which is based at the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), provides a free information service that helps individuals compare their foreign qualifications with Irish qualifications. The service provides information regarding the foreign qualification held by you and compares the foreign qualification to a qualification that is placed at a particular level on the Irish NFQ.

An increasing number of foreign qualifications and information on their comparability in an Irish context is available in the ‘International Qualifications Database’ on the Qualifications Recognition website at www.qualrec.ie

I gained my qualification in the UK from a UK awarding body. Can it be recognised through the Irish NFQ?

In the first instance, you must establish if the awarding body is a recognised awarding body in the UK and what level the qualification is at on the UK’s Qualifications Frameworks.  For further (vocational) education and training providers, you can do

this by checking the National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ) in the UK  at http://www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk/index.aspx. For higher education and training providers, please check the website of the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills in the UK at http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/recognisedukdegrees/index.cfm?fuseaction=institutes.list&InstituteCategoryID=2

With this information, you may then use the document entitled ‘Qualifications can cross boundaries’ as a quick guide to how the qualification compares to a level on the Irish NFQ.  This document is available on the Qualifications Recognition website via the following link: http://www.qualificationsrecognition.ie/recognition/int_qual_databse/uk/documents/CrossBoundaries.pdf.

I gained my qualification in Ireland from a UK awarding body.

Can it be recognised through the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)?

The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) has a process in place whereby UK awarding bodies who provide awards in Ireland may have these awards aligned to the Irish NFQ.  The main purpose of aligning these qualifications is to provide learners with clear information regarding the qualification and the level at which it best fits on the Irish NFQ.  A number of UK awarding bodies have gone through this process and awards which have been aligned can be accessed on www.nqai.ie/AlignmentofUKawards.html

Follow our 4-step plan to finding the right job for you.

Step 1: Finding a Job

Childcare services consistently use newspapers as a means of advertising positions; therefore if you are looking for a job it is important to keep a close eye on the job section in your local newspaper. Positions may also be advertised on various websites such as www.irishjobs.ie, www.activelink.ie and www.fas.ie.

Step 2: Making an Application

Once you have identified a job, which you would like to apply for, you then need to establish whether or not it is suitable for you. A job description will be available from the employer on request, when requesting an application form, request a job description also. Take time to read the job description and establish whether it is the type of job you are looking for, ask yourself the following questions:

Am I qualified for this role?

• Do I meet the essential/desirable criteria specified in the advertisement?
• Are there any aspects of the role I am not experienced in?
• What aspects of the role do I feel I would be particularly good at?
• How much of my previous experience will I be able to bring to this role?
• Would I have too much/not enough responsibility in the role?

If you are satisfied with the answers to these questions you can then begin applying for the post. Filling out application forms can sometimes be a daunting task but remember, this will be the employer’s first opportunity to assess your capabilities and also your first opportunity to make a good impression. When filling out the application always…

• Ensure your handwriting is neat and clearly legible, this provides the employer with evidence of your level of literacy and written communication skills. Otherwise request the application be e-mailed to you and type directly on to it.
• Ensure you complete all sections and enter N/A in areas that do not apply to you.
• Give as much information as possible, ensure you outline your qualifications and experience so that the employer fully understands your achievements.
• Provide additional information where necessary.
• Submit before the closing date, this should be at the latest, the day before the deadline as it shows good organisational and planning skills as opposed to the application being submitted the morning of the closing date, or indeed past it!

Step 3: The Interview

Interviews can be a nerve-racking experience, however careful consideration, planning and preparation can ensure you have the bulk of the work done before you even get there! Follow our pointers below to ensure a smooth and pain free experience.

Preparation

Preparation is the key to a successful interview therefore before the interview always:

• Find out about the service, word of mouth is usually the most effective method of research therefore ask around if anyone has used/worked in the service before. Enquire into the range of childcare they provide and what particular programmes/activities they offer, this is useful to refer to in the interview particularly if you have previous experience you can make reference to.
• Refresh your knowledge on various aspects of your training, remember that you have specified the level of training you currently have, therefore they will expect your level of knowledge to be of that standard. Think about the core modules you took and what the main aspects of these where, for example child development is a key factor in all childcare courses therefore you will always be expected to demonstrate your knowledge in this area.
• Think carefully on your previous experience and how you can relate practical examples of your work to the job your applying for. You need also to be able to provide examples of how you can relate the various aspects of your training to hands on work you have done. Don’t worry if you have no paid experience in a setting giving examples of experience you had while on placement is fine.
• Think about your other achievements and how you can relate these to the position you are applying for, for example, if you are applying for the position of playgroup leader and have previous experience as a team leader in a setting other than childcare, you can refer to this and how you effectively managed staff and applied yourself to the job.
• The interviewer will also want to know your strengths and weakness so think about these before you go in, remember they are not trying to embarrass you they are merely allowing you the opportunity to promote yourself.

Appearance

It is important when attending an interview that you dress appropriately.

• Always err on the side of caution when it comes to dressing for an interview. Choose a smart tidy outfit that you are comfortable in.

• Avoid sports gear, trainers and denim.
• Remember that you are applying for a job in childcare therefore avoid inappropriate clothing such as low cut tops etc.
• It is usually best to avoid strong perfumes or deodorant.

On Arrival

If you are unsure as to the exact location of the interview or how long it will take to get there it can sometimes be helpful to drive to the location a few days in advance to give you a better idea as to how long to allow for travel on the morning of the interview.

• Arrive early and allow time for last minute touch ups with appearance or reading notes.
• Award yourself time to find the building and the specific area at your ease as rushing can sometimes make you nervous.
• Usually there will be someone there to greet you, however if not, make sure someone is aware that you have arrived.
• Have a spare copy of your C.V. and Qualifications at hand for reference.

The Interview

This is your chance to convince the interviewer that you are the best person for this job, therefore try to leave any nerves behind and go in with confidence in the knowledge that you can do this job and you are well prepared.

• Listen attentively to the questions; many questions will have two parts, therefore always ensure you answer both fully.

• Never answer questions with a Yes/No answer – always elaborate.
• Wait until the interviewer has finished speaking, never interrupt or talk over them.
• Don’t be afraid to think about your answer before giving it.
• Do not make derogatory remarks about previous employers.
• Ask them to repeat the question if it was not clear the first time.
• Smile, be attentive and maintain eye contact without staring.
• Remember that you are trying to convince the interviewer that you have the knowledge, skill and attributes to do this job therefore give details and examples as much as possible; never presume they already know something.
• Be yourself! Working with children requires special skills therefore always try to show the interviewer that you have the qualities it takes to provide the type of service they are aiming for.
• Don’t be discouraged if you have trouble answering some of the questions try your best and aim to impress on the questions you can answer well.

Frequently asked questions

Interview questions for positions in childcare can vary significantly depending on the position you are applying for and the specific qualities the employer is looking for, however some basic questions can be predicted, for example:

• Your reasons for applying for the job?
• Previous experience working in childcare?
• Knowledge and understanding of the day-to-day running of a childcare service?
• Knowledge of child development?
• Awareness of a range of different early years curricula?
• Awareness of specific childcare related legislation?
• Ability to apply learning to example scenarios provided.

Step 4: The aftermath

Don’t be discouraged if you are not offered the job immediately after the interview, the interviewer may have quite a number of people to get through which can take a few days. If you are successful and are offered the position don’t be afraid to ask some questions before formally accepting it, it is ok to ask about hours of work, salary and holidays, take time to think about it and give them a timeframe in which you will get back to them.

If you are not successful it is a good idea to ask for feedback on the interview, this is excellent for you to see where you fell down and how you can improve. Do not get disheartened, interviews are a learning experience, take what you need from it and use this to improve for the next one!

Good Luck!