RoxyRoo

Hey Callum,

I'm afraid your GTP year means diddly squat here is Australia. You also need to have a teaching degree to teach in a school but I'm sure with your sports degree you can coach  but not sure how you would go about that. Maybe get in touch with sport related recruitment agencies. When I came here 6 six years ago with my 3 year early years education degree and a GTP (I had worked in primary school for 3 years), I was only allowed to be an early childhood teacher in a preschool or long day care setting. I needed to get a masters as a four year degree in education was required. However, there has been some changes since then and as long as you are approved as a 'proficient teacher' through NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) then you can apply for a teaching position in a school. That is in NSW obviously. Where are you planning on moving to?  I know this can all be so frustrating, especially when you have been teaching for so long. Hope this helps although I understand it doesn't seem good news.

Good luck!

Hi guys,

 

Quick update - had the telephone interview this morning. It was only for 20 minutes and there was lots of information about the company given before I was asked anything. I was asked the following;

- When do you arrive?

- How far along with the teacher registration process are you?

- Do you have any holidays booked?

-What do you think about the company?

-Describle a time you have done curriculum programming based on a child's interest?

-How do you value parents and families?

-How do you make children feel respected and cared for?

-What is your pay expectation?

 

That was it! I now have a practical assessment based on photographs of a blank setting and I have to write bullet points on how I would improve it, which seems pretty straight forward. If successful on that, I will be given a face to face interview when I arrive in 2 weeks.

 

Compared to teaching job interviews I have had here, this wasn't half as scary or intimidating! Feeling slightly more hopefully :wink:

That's so great. So pleased for you. Keep us updated :cute:

Hi RoxyRoo,

I come seeking advice again! I have a telephone interview for a Teacher post in a Goodstart setting next week and was wondering if you could give me some pointers on things you have been asked in the past. Thanks x

That's great news!

Here are some questions asked for an ECT:

What is your understanding of the NQF? Can you outline a brief description of thecomponents involved?

What is your teaching philosophy and how is this reflected in your program and daily practices?

Can you give me an example of where you planned a program to meet a child’sindividual needs?

A child in your care displays some challenging behaviours, describe the behaviourguidance strategies you would initiate?

Describe a situation where you have made a suggestion or implemented an idea thatimproved a process in the workplace.

Can you provide me with an example of when you had to work with someone whowas difficult to get along with? How did you handle this situation?

Can you tell me about a time when you had to resolve a parent complaint?What were their concerns and how did you resolve it?

Read up on the NQF National Quality Framework and EYLF Early Years Learning Framework before your interview. EYLF is like the EYFSP. Everything planned is based on the child's interest with the EYLF implemented.

Is this a telephone interview as you're not here yet right? Let me know if anything else you would like to know and good luck! Let me know how you get on.

Hi RoxyRoo,

 

I have just had my qualification assessed by ACECQA as ECT and have sent off my documents now to gain teacher registration. In the UK I work as a Nursery Teacher so get the best of both worlds with the school holidays and age group. Im looking at jobs and most are in daycare setting. I was just wondering what the pay is like compared to school? Most of the centres seem to be G8 or Goodstart - do you know if one company is better than the other or are they similar?

 

Thanks

 

xx

Thanks x

It's hard to work that out really because it depends on the current exchange rate. The way I did when I first got here is that I used to take home 1500 pounds (no pound sign on my keyboard!) per month after teaching in school for 3 years and here i was taking home $3400 a month. So because it is roughly double the amount I then halved everything that I bought here. For instance I could afford a loaf of bread for 1 pound 50p in UK, then I can afford a loaf here for $3. I have continued to do that here even though my salary has risen since 3 years ago. I am currently on $34 per hour. Even after over 3 years, I still work out what it is in pounds. If it works out a lot more than half, I won't buy it! I work for a G8 centre but there are so many centres around and ECT's are in demand. With a good UK background and teaching experience, you can pretty much ask for what you want (within reason). I went on 3 interviews as soon as I got here and was offered all 3. When changing jobs last year, I went on 4 and again offered all 4.G8 and Goodstart are probable similar. G8 own over 3000 centres across Australia!

Hope that helps!

Thanks for your reply Roxyroo, it's good to know you aren't as stressed! You say you would love to be in a school do you know if there is much difference between working in a school compared to daycare (other than the holidays). Do you have any good links to the Early Learning framework? The EYFS development matters statements are like the bible over here, is there anything similar that you use when it comes to your planning or assessments?

 

 

I don't want to bombard you with too many questions!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks again,

 

 

Selina

Hi Selena,

I imagine there is a big difference between school and day care just like there is in the UK. All our planning is drawn from the children's interests so from there we will plan probably 1 or 2 max activities based on this a day that may carry over to other days as can be a different bunch of children. Every day, and I am almost certain that this is the same in all centres, we type up a daily journal which is written after the morning and is all about what the class have been doing that day with photos added to it. Each teacher/educator has key children that each have a portfolio. Every month we do an individual observation on the child and add a piece of art work. Displays around the room are backed up with links from the EYLF and our programming is on the wall which I do as a mind map showing how the interest started and how it has expanded. The EYLF can be downloaded. Take a look online and read through it. Early Years Learning Framework. It is also a bible. Everything we do stems from this, the same as UK. We get time off the floor to type up our childrens obs and to plan and prepare resources. You would need to do very minimal work at home. It is your choice really.

When are you moving here? Which state?

Roxyroo

Hi,

 

Just wanted to connect with any Early Childhood Teachers who are living and working in Australia. Would love to have a chat about the differences and similarities between the UK and Oz EY curriculum and how you find your working life over there compared to the UK.

 

Thanks,

 

Selina xx

Hi Selena,

I think we have crossed in other posts on here. I am an ECT in Sydney. Been here just over 3 years. The early years curriculum is very similiar. I only know this because I worked in Reception class in primary before coming here, which I know is the same curriculum for nursery schools. Its been quite a long time since I worked in nursery/preschool in UK but as the children start school later over here, I'm finding that I'm working with the same age group anyway. I am no where near as stressed as what I was in the school system in the UK. I work 8-3.30 and if I have to stay because of adult/child ratios, I bank that as time in leiu. I would love to be in school here, which I believe is not as stressful either but I am happy at what I do. I am the room leader and in charge of preschool for a long day care centre.

Anything else you want to know then let me know :wink:

Roxyroo

It's hard to work that out really because it depends on the current exchange rate. The way I did when I first got here is that I used to take home 1500 pounds (no pound sign on my keyboard!) per month after teaching in school for 3 years and here i was taking home $3400 a month. So because it is roughly double the amount I then halved everything that I bought here. For instance I could afford a loaf of bread for 1 pound 50p in UK, then I can afford a loaf here for $3. I have continued to do that here even though my salary has risen since 3 years ago. I am currently on $34 per hour. Even after over 3 years, I still work out what it is in pounds. If it works out a lot more than half, I won't buy it! I work for a G8 centre but there are so many centres around and ECT's are in demand. With a good UK background and teaching experience, you can pretty much ask for what you want (within reason). I went on 3 interviews as soon as I got here and was offered all 3. When changing jobs last year, I went on 4 and again offered all 4.G8 and Goodstart are probable similar. G8 own over 3000 centres across Australia!

Hope that helps!:smile:

Can I ask a quick question, I have a level 3 diploma in children and young people's workforce and will have a early years foundation degree which is 3 years study. I have 4 years work experience with 0 to 5 years will i qualify as a early years childhood teacher in a daycare centre/nursery? I will be having my qualifications assessed with ACECQA in the next month or so but was wondering if anyone could advise me. Thanks

Hi I would have thought your 3 year foundation degree would be enough to meet ECT but not sure how different that is to a 3 year bachelor degree. My NVQ level 3 in childcare was mapped over to a Cert 4 equivalent which wouldnt alone, qualify me for diploma level here in childcare. Basically working in long day care and preschool you are either cert3, diploma or ECT.

Hi Roxy, yes I mean early childhood teacher. I have w 3 year degree in social science- psychology, education, criminology. And now am looking at 1 year degree courses- did you study just 3 years? Have you heard of the Early years initial teacher training? That's 1 year, and covers 0-5, not sure that's my best bet over PGCE primary and early years! Are you moving over soon? X

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi Carly, I have been in Sydney almost 3 years working as an Early Childhood Teacher. I didnt realise you degree wasnt in Early Childhood so yeah I expect you need to do further qualifications. I have a 3 year early childhood degree and then 1 year initial teacher training (GTP). I worked in schools back in the UK but my fourth year here isnt recognised as not at university hence why I am working as an early childhood teacher in preschool instead (3 degree suffice). I havent heard of the early years nitial teacher training. Good luch with everything x

To teach in schools, yes you need 4 years but an Early Childhood Teacher (preschool and long day care) only requires a 3 year early childhood degree.

Hi everybody,

 

I'm right at the start of my process of gaining a WHV but stuck already! Hopefully some of you out there have had experience with this..

 

In England I have a Level three and foundation degree in Early Years (childcare) and would love to find either casual or permanent work in this sector when I head over there too but I'm reading that I need to transfer my qualications so that they're recognised in Oz. I'm happy to do that but I've been searching everywhere and every site, even OQU and the AQF official sites, are leading me to dead ends.

 

Has anybody done this? Or know of who I need to contact to have my qualifications assessed and (hopefully) get them transfered.

 

Thanks!

Hi Louise,

I went through the ACECAQ website and first of all had my qualifications mapped over to Australian equivalent with AEI-NOOSR You play for each qualification. I had my NVQ level 3 mapped over to an equivalent of certificate 4 and my early childhood degree mapped over to an Australian bachelor degree. Once you have that done, you then apply to ACECQA. With my degree, I was able to get Early Childhood Teacher. It is better do get all this done before moving over. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the reply.

I don't know what else to say now...

So, there's loads of paperwork and assessments...

As UK universities only have 3 year Early Childhood Studies courses,

it seems I must do a PGCE.

When you say preschool teacher do you mean Early Childhood Teacher? If you do, which is what I am and teach preschool, you DO NOT need a PGCE. Your 3 year Early childhood degree is all that you need and to have had 'experience' with 0-2 year olds. When I had my qualifications assessed with ACECQA, only two weeks experience was enough. My early childhood degree was for 0-8 years. Hope this makes you feel better

I am an early years teacher from the UK, I currently work in a school with children age 3-5. I have a PGCE in early years and a positive assessment from AITSL, my 189 application has been submitted and we are awaiting a case officer.

 

While all of my certificates and transcripts are down from the loft I thought I'd start having a look at collating what I need to register as an early childhood teacher in Australia. I understand to work in this sector I need to register with ACECQA and they require experience with children aged 0-2. The UK does not offer this in their PGCE. I can arrange some volunteer work at a local nursery in their baby room (this needs to be a minimum of 10 days). I contacted ACECQA to ask of this would be sufficient to cover the 0-2 component of assessment. They replied very quickly and this is what was written.......

 

'Early childhood teaching qualifications must include curriculum and professional experience that covers the age range from birth to five years of age* (including transition to school). Qualifications that cover the age range from birth to eight years are preferred.

 

 

* ACECQA will consider evidence of the following to satisfy the specific birth to 2 years old age focus requirement:

• significant work experience with children aged birth to 2 years old

• the completion of an approved diploma

• the completion of relevant ‘non award’ unit(s).

 

 

In your email you request whether volunteer experience would meet the birth to 2 years age focus requirement. ACECQA does not have guidelines on whether or not this meets the guidelines. Significant experience would be required. It is also worth noting that whilst volunteer experience may meet the practical requirement, this would only support your application if the curriculum content of your qualification also covered birth to 2 years'

 

 

So my problem is that my degree wasn't in early years (it was animal science) so I haven't got practical or theoretical experience with 0-2 at this level. I do have a City and Guilds level 2 in children and young peoples workforce which covered childcare from 0-16 but I don't know if this will count for anything.

 

I really want want to continue working as an early childhood teacher at the moment I think I would be assessed as an early childhood educator which would mean a significant drop in wages and longer hours working in private daycare.

 

Does anyone have experience with ACECQA and their assessment of overseas qualifications? Can I do a top-up type course that includes 0-2 experience?

 

Any by help would be really appreciated. Selina x

I am pretty sure you need an early years degree to qualify for Early Years Teacher. I am an ECT in NSW. They are really in demand here. Not sure how the salaries compare to yours but I get $33 an hour. I dont work longer hours being in a daycare centre; My shift is 8-3.30 only spending very little time on work at home because I am the room leader (about 30 minutes a week and only because I want to). ACECQA, I found, just want signed documentation to say you have done what they need. Surely if you can get 10 days volunteer work with written plans etc and a letter from the nursery to confirm this, that should be fine.

Hi Again, I am not sure I am able to help but I applied to ACECQA and was given Diploma level as I didn't demonstrate 0-2 at initial teaching level or work. I asked them what I could do to address that issue and the suggest looking at university/online courses which retrained teachers. As you have already demonstrated the cost can be quite large, but as a PR residents you would be entitled to a commonwealth supported place which reduces the cost, and then you would also be entitled to a HECs or HELP (1 is a loan, paid back through wages and the other is a reduction if you pay each module in full, again this can reduce the modules to about $600 each. Worth considering if you need to retrain or get something for the 0-2 years.

 

MY advice (What ever its worth) would be to submit everything you have got including the assessment from AITSL recognising the same paperwork as an Early Years Teacher, and see what they give you. You will get a recognised qualification which will enable employment (plenty in early years esp at diploma level), use the teaching qualifications to gain your teaching qualification in which ever state you live in. This will be the cheapest of all the assessments, but employment can be hit or miss depending on state, suburb etc. This will enable plenty of employment opportunities and allow you to take time in deciding.

 

As for the paperwork required (I am not sure if they chased up referees) but NSW needed recent referees, so it may be better to stick with you current position, unless you want employment in 0-2. I am happy to help with any questions you have. I am in NSW, and am not sure how other states do things but I can ask other teachers I know, and get better advice for you.

 

Good Luck with everything.

Hi Flecks,

I am sure you cant be eligible for HECS unless you are a citizen.

Hi,

 

I've posted this on another thread so sorry for repeating but thought more people would see it here and be able to offer some advice....

 

I am in my 2nd year of teaching in Early Years but am currently on maternity leave, I have requested to return to my current school in January as part time because the cost of childcare will eat up the majority of my wages. My request was denied :-( now I have until Monday to tell my school if I will be returning to work in January full time or leaving completely. I have been in touch with a supply agency who say they can definitely get me work 3 days a week. Have worked out that doing 3 days on supply would be better for me financially compared to working full time and paying for childcare full time but the work isn't guaranteed and I don't get paid during the holidays. I also need to consider what will be best when it comes to registering as a teacher in Australia, I would like to stay in Early years. I'm thinking all of the form filling and requesting references would be easier if I have been at the same school since the start of my career but with supply I may be able to get experience with children age 0-2 which will cover some of the requirements for registration with ACECQA (which is who I need to register with to be able to work specifically in Early Years) this won't pay as good a wage as supply in a school and we are desperately trying to save for our move. Any advice on what would be the best course of action?????? Thanks in advance xx

Hi Selina,

If you want to work in the school system over here, you will not be able to just request kindergarten (reception/early years) and will have to have your qualifications assessed through AITSL. However, if you would like to work as an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) in preschools or day care centres, you will only need to get your qualifications assessed through ACECQA. You will need the 0-2 yrs experience for this to be awarded ECT. I was a primary school teacher in UK and got my teacher status through GTP route which is not recognised so unless I do a 2 year masters in primary here, I have to work as an ECT. I always worked in reception so I dont mind this so much as senior preschool here is also aged 4 to 5.

Hope that helps

Is that just in Queensland? Not sure that is correct. You need a fourth year (PGCE) to teach in schools but not working as an early childhood teacher in preschools or centres. I know this because I am an ECT and have had my qualifications assessed by ACECQA.

Hi there, just seen your message. Not sure if Queensland is different but you do not need a PGCE to be an Early Childhood Teacher. You just need a bachelor in early years and have at least 2 weeks experience working with 0-2 year olds. I know this because I am working here as an ECT. I had my qualifications assessed by ACECQA so have been through this. I am unable to teach in schools because I dont have PGCE but preschools and centres, so problem.

we might settle up that way too. We know there are good state high schools a few miles inland from there. Look at Killarney Heights, Davidson. I think the one further out by St Ives is also meant to be good.

 

I never got too much into primary schools, as I believe there are a lot more of those that are a decent standard. This knowledge is all from desk research, asking questions etc from the UK (as we don't move for another 6 weeks), but it might make a good starting point.

 

The schools nearer the coast aren't as good I heard. But if you find any more, let me know and share the wealth (PM if you prefer)

 

best

 

Matthew

I'm afraid you are right, the high schools in the northern beaches are not very good unless your child can get into Manly selective. Living in Collaroy means your closest high schools are Cromer or a little further up to Narrabean sports high. We moved over just over 2 years ago and were initially going to settle in Cromer but after visiting Cromer high, decided against living by the sea. We are in Killarney Heights (Sydney's best kept secret) 20 mins drive to beaches and easy access to city on the bus (20 mins at weekend). Both my children go to Killarney Heights High. They came over in year 10 and 7. It was tough for my son moving at that time but great for my younger daughter. Although the schools here, including Killarney are no where near UK standards, I believe Killarney is the best you'll get if you cant afford private. There is also Freshwater campus that is for year 11 and 12 only that is meant to be very good. I wish I had sent my son there when he moved into year 11. He is sitting his HSCs this year. We also have Killarney Heights Public (primary) here too. Hope this helps!

Good luck

Roxy

Thank you. I will try NSWIT :smile:

Hi there and thanks for taking the time to read this.....

 

I have a BA Primary Education with QTS degree (3 year course). I realise that I have to have another university year in order to meet the requirements to teach in Australia. I have 3 years work experience (as a Primary teacher) although I have recently had time out to look after my young family.

 

I was wondering if I should do a PGCE in Early Years or a Masters in Early Years ( I wish to work in Early Years regardless) ? Do any teachers (or anyone!) know if one of these is favoured or indeed required more than the other? I would happily do the PGCE however I wonder if I will be merely repeating my degree even though the QTS part isn't recognised in Australia. Hope all of this makes sense...it's late here!!

 

Any advice would be very very much appreciated.

Hi

When you say work in Early Years do you mean before they start school? If you do then your 3 year degree will mean that you will be assessed to meet the requirements to be an Early Childhood Teacher. You can work in child care centres or preschools. They are very much in demand here (well they are in Sydney). If you mean first year at school (Reception (UK)/Kindergarten (Aus)) then yes you will need 4 years at uni but just as Quoll pointed out, I really dont think you can do initial teacher training again if you already have QTS.

I currently work in a primary school as a teaching assistant. I have the Level 3 qualification. Could anyone tell me wether I would be able to get in with my qualification? I have had a look on other forums but couldn't really find the answer.

Thankyou

Hi Leah,

I can tell you that your NVQ (I presume) level 3 will be mapped over to a certificate IV if that helps in any way. :smile:

Nevertheless four years of tertiary (university) study is now required. This may be a three year undergraduate degree followed by a PGCE or it could be a four year Bachelor of Education. Alternatively, it can also be a three year Bachelor of Education as long as it is topped up with an extra year of university study in a related field.

 

You are giving the OP the wrong information. It is clearly stated by the Queensland Teaching Registration Board, I suggest you take a look.

Hi Sammy or anyone else who knows,

Do you know what that extra year is? I live is Sydney and have contacted Macquarie Uni who have looked at my 3 year BA Early Education transcripts and have told me I need to do an extra 2 years. I am thinking of asking another uni to find out their response. I did the GTP back in the UK and the best I can get over here is Early Childhood Teacher but really want to get back into school. Worked hard to get that teacher status back in the UK and now feel its wasted. Would love to know if anyone else has bridged this gap.

Thanks,

Roxyroo

Hi I am extremely frustrated! I have a 3 year BA degree in early years education and then my teacher training was through the graduate teacher programme GTP. I always knew when I come to Australia that they wouldn't recognise GTP and that there would be something I would have to do out here but very disappointed to hear from a uni in Sydney that after looking at my degree subjects I would have to do another 8 units and then a 2 year B of ed in primary. Makes me so mad as I have worked so hard to become a primary school teacher in the UK and worked for a few years teaching with an excellent reference. To have come from a country with a very good education system, it doesn't make sense. I have been in Sydney for over a year and currently work as an early childhood teacher in a senior preschool room but miss being in the classroom and feel my studies have gone to waste.

Has as anyone else been in this situation? I can accept an additional years study and wondering if the uni has made a mistake. I will contact the institute of teaching as well to check with them.

That is correct yodayoda but you cant do your GTP at university because it is an employment based route to gain your QTS. So basically you have to have either a 4 year degree or a 3 year degree plus PGCE which is classed as that 4th year at uni.

JandLeen did you start your private tutoring off your own back? Do you still have to have your teacher credentials over there to do that? I think I will end up working in a nursery setting and then do what I need to do over there to be recognised as a teacher.

Never easy is it.....

Sx

Thanks JandLeen,

Thats good news about working in nursery settings as I do have an NVQ level 3. I also have BA Hons in Early Years Education. BTW everyone I am not talking about getting my skills assessed for a visa, we already have our permanent visas under my husbands skills and moving out to OZ late summer. I didnt know whether to get them assessed to see what kind of work I can do overthere. Apparently all early childhood settings now come under ACEQA rules and regulations and you can pay them to get your skills assessed.

Thanks for your help everyone xx