Hi Polly,
I work for a company that will help you to do your ECDL, and i have been told that employers do recognise that qualification because it shows you are up to date with your qulifications.
ECDL Part 1 - Takes about 46 hrs to do and its a level 1 qualification
ECDL Part 2 - takes about 75 hours to do and its a level 2 qualification
ECDL ADV - is a level 3 qualification.
I would recommed you do part 1 and part 2 and then you can a full qualification and 3 certificates!!
If you have a learndirect centre, near you i would ring them up and discuss when you do your introduction, the main learndirect website address is www.learndirect.co.uk
Hope this helps!!