Information for job seekers
Careers in Early Years & Childcare
You have come to the right place!
Whether you are a school leaver or graduate looking to start a new career, looking for a career change or returning to work after a break we hope that the information here will help you to to make a more informed choice about your career options so that you feel confident about what steps to take next. This is the place where you can find out about the different job roles within early years, what qualifications and training pathways are available and where to look for the latest jobs.
'Every child deserves the best possible start in life and support to fulfil their potential. A child’s experience in the early years has a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right, and it provides the foundation for children to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up. When parents choose to use early years services they want to know that provision will keep their children safe and help them to thrive'.
Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Job roles within early years:
- Nursery
(96KB - pdf help) - Pre-School or Playgroup (96KB - pdf help)
- Out of School Club (100KB - pdf help)
- Childminding (82KB - pdf help)
- Voluntary work (90KB - pdf help)
- Early Years Professional (95KB - pdf help)
Training and qualifications:
A highly skilled workforce is fundamental to providing the best support for young children. The Early Years & Childcare Service supports people looking to join the early years workforce, and those already in the workforce, by providing a wide range of qualifications and training opportunities.
- For an overview of qualifications within early years and childcare please see our handy qualification factsheet. (79KB - pdf help)
- To browse a selection of currently available qualifications and short courses visit the CPD Online training website.
Funding for training and qualifications is subject to eligibility. Please refer to the eligibility criteria which can be found on the CPD Online training website.
Looking for jobs:
All the latest job vacancies in early years and childcare and wider roles can be found on the Devon County Council jobs website:
You will find a wide range of careers from Assistant to Supervisor posts, full-time, part-time and term time vacancies. You can sign up to receive email alerts so that you are notified as soon as a job comes up that matches your search criteria. Jobs are also advertised in the weekly Choice bulletin which can be picked up from Jobcentres and libraries across Devon.
Universal Jobmatch has replaced the Jobcentre Plus job search tool. Jobseekers can match their CV and skills to jobs posted by companies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Frequently asked questions (103KB - pdf help)
Do you live in Torbay or Plymouth?
If you live/work within the Torbay or Plymouth areas you will need to visit your local Family Information Service for information and advice about working in early years as these are seperate local authorities and do not fall under the remit of Devon County Council's support and funding arrangements.
Contact us:
We hope that this information provides answers to some of the questions you may have about working in early years, however, if you still have further queries please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to help you.
Further information:
