NVQ vs ASET / GOAL / other distance learning qualifications. What do employers think?

Does anyone know how distance learning qualifications are valued by employers? I'm looking at making a total career change, and in adverts for posts similar to what I want to do (Family Outreach Worker) one of the 'essentials' is given as NVQ level 3. Now, for me to get the NVQ (in childcare) my local college requires that I be doing 9hrs+ a week in a childcare setting. I can only manage to do 5hrs ? I've been having a trawl at distance learning and have found ASET and GOAL qualifications (certificates/diplomas) that I could get on and do. There are various levels, and I would opt for one that is stated as being "equivalent to NVQ level 3". But is that how employers see them??? Obviously I don't want to waste time and money doing a qualification that has no value to an employer!!! (I'm sure it'd be useful in terms of knowledge gained though, of course).

Any advice/comments? I can't see a way round the 5hrs/9hrs thing, at least not until my son is at school which is 3 years away ☹️ So far I'm doing an OU Certificate in Health and Social Care to get *a* qualification, have trained to become (and will become!) a Home-Start volunteer, and about to start (week after next) 5hrs a week volunteering at local nursery. So I'm really working on my experience for this. It just seems like the elusive NVQ level 3 is the thing I can't find a way round