The Introduction to Childcare course is a free, two-day course, and its purpose and intention is to provide basic information to people who are interested in starting work in the early years and childcare sector, to increase the number of workers childcare in Wales. The course was developed in response to a call from the Welsh Government to increase these numbers. The course has welcomed speakers from the offices of PACEY, the Children’s Commissioner and CareersWales so far. The course is conducted online. 
   
Here is an overview of the course content:      
• what is early years and childcare? 
• roles in the early years and childcare sector 
• employee qualities and expectations 
• children’s rights 
• welfare 
• child-centred practice 
• play 
• safeguarding 
• infection prevention and control 
• the Welsh Language 
• professional practice 
• policy and legislation 
• childcare qualifications 
   
The course has been running since September 2022, with around 115 people having completed the course up to now – it has been very successful!      

After completing the Introduction to Childcare course, Social Care Wales can refer people to CareersWales. CareersWales can provide employability support to help people start their careers within the childcare sector. They can refer people to a variety of resources, help them with interview and work skills, help them to write a CV, and can also refer people to new jobs and volunteering opportunities.     
 
Here is a link to the Eventbrite page where people can register to complete the course: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cyflwyniad-i-ofal-plant-introduction-to-childcare-tickets-414534051507