About this guide
This is your guide to working in the early years and childcare sector and will help you to make a more informed choice about your career options as well as helping you to be clear about what steps to take next.
Inside this guide you will find information on:
- job roles
- qualifications
- training and development pathways
- where to look for jobs
Early years is a dynamic and vitally important sector which needs high quality staff at all levels. There are many different job roles and opportunities for training and progression. It is a career that you can be proud of and really makes a difference! We hope that this guide provides answers to some of the questions you may have about working in early years and childcare, however, if you still have further queries please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to help you.
Working in a nursery
Nurseries provide full day care, education and play for children aged between 0-5 years and follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. They are usually run by voluntary or community groups, local authorities or private companies. Nurseries are sometimes attached to primary schools. They usually open from 8am – 6pm (although times can vary) during weekdays. Some operate term time only. There are opportunities to work full
time, part time and on a voluntary basis.
What would I do?
At first, you would typically be working as an Assistant and would be working under the supervision of a Leader or Supervisor.
Day-to-day tasks could include:
- encouraging children to develop social skills
- supporting learning through play
- creating a safe and secure environment for children to learn
- feeding, preparing bottles, bathing and dressing babies, changing nappies
- responsibility for a small group of children as a Key Worker
- building relationships with parents and carers
- observing, assessing and planning the child’s learning and development
- consulting and liaising with teams and other health professionals
(i.e. Health Workers, Social Workers)
- attending training and team meetings
In a managerial role you would also be supervising staff and looking after the business side of things including finance, recruitment, training and development of staff, working closely with parents/carers and promoting the childcare setting.
What skills and experience do I need?
You must:
- have a genuine interest in the care and development of young children
- have patience
- be motivated and enthusiastic
- be committed to safeguarding
- be warm and friendly
- have a positive approach to training and development
Volunteering is an excellent way to get experience of working in an early years setting. You could contact settings in your local area to find out if they are able to take on a volunteer.
You can search for settings by using the Find Childcare in Devon Family Information Directory.
What qualifications do I need?
Depending on the nursery you are working in as an Assistant you may need to hold a Level 2 early years and childcare qualification such as Early Years Practitioner Level 2, or equivalent. It is possible to be employed as an assistant without an early years and childcare qualification.
It is also good practice to undertake the following training:
- paediatric first aid
- safeguarding awareness (mandatory for all practitioners)
- health and safety
- food hygiene
As a Manager, Supervisor or Leader you would need to have a minimum Level 3 qualification such as the Level 3 Early Years Educator or equivalent, and would need to hold demonstrable experience of working in a similar setting.
Other early years qualifications can be recognised by the Department for Education (DfE) if there are included in the Early Years Qualifications List (EYQL) as full and relevant.
Progression
You would be encouraged to develop your skills and qualifications through training. This could be via work-based qualifications, short courses and e-learning. You could progress from a Level 2 to a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. This would enable you to apply for a Leader, Supervisor or Managerial post. You could then work towards a Foundation Degree or Degree in Early Childhood Studies and/or Early Years Teacher Status.
Please note, to undertake a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and work in an Early Years setting, you must also have a suitable level 2 English qualification.
All staff who have obtained a level 2/ 3 qualification since June 2016 must obtain a paediatric first aid qualification within 3 months of starting work.
Paid and voluntary roles involving contact with children and young people will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Working in a Pre-School or Playgroup
Pre-Schools and Playgroups provide early years education and care for young children predominantly aged from 2 to 5 years and follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. Many Pre-Schools are based on Primary School sites whilst others might use community facilities such as village halls or churches. Pre-Schools can be run by a private business, by a voluntary committee of parents and carers or school governors. Many are part-time and are open during school term time only. Pre-schools operate in a variety ways some working the school day and term time, others will offer longer hours offering wraparound care at the start and end of the school day and during the school holidays. However in voluntary, committee and governor run settings the trustees, governors or school staff undertake some of these responsibilities.
What would I do?
At first you would typically be working as an Assistant and would be working under the supervision of a Leader or Supervisor.
Day-to-day tasks could include:
- supporting early learning and play experiences
- working with parents
- planning and providing fun play and educational opportunities
- preparing children in readiness for going to school
- attending training and team meetings
- encouraging children to develop social skills
- creating a safe and secure environment for children to learn
- responsibility for a small group of children as a Key Worker
- building relationships with parents and carers
- observing, assessing and planning the child’s learning and development
- consulting and liaising with teams and other health professionals (i.e. Health Workers, Social Workers)
As a Pre-School/ Playgroup Leader you would manage the day to day running of the childcare setting including: supervising staff and looking after the business side of things including finance, recruitment, training and development of staff, working closely with parents/carers and promoting the setting. However in voluntary, committee-run settings the committee officers undertake some of these responsibilities.
What skills and experience do I need?
You must:
- have a genuine interest in the care and development of young children
- have patience
- be motivated and enthusiastic
- be committed to safeguarding
- be warm and friendly
- have a positive approach to training and development
Volunteering is an excellent way to get experience of working in an early years setting. You could contact settings in your local area to find out if they are able to take on a volunteer.
You can search for settings by using the Find Childcare in Devon Family Information Directory.
What qualifications do I need?
Depending on the pre-school/playgroup you are working in as an Assistant you may need to hold a Level 2 childcare qualification such as the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner, or equivalent. It is possible to be employed as an assistant without a early years and childcare qualification.
It is also good practice to undertake the following training:
- paediatric first aid
- safeguarding awareness (mandatory for all practitioners)
- health and safety
- food hygiene
As a Manager, Supervisor or Leader you would need to have a minimum Level 3 qualification such as the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification or equivalent, and would need to hold demonstrable experience of working in a similar setting.
Other early years qualifications can be recognised by the Department for Education (DfE) if there are included on the Early Years Qualifications List (EYQL) as full and relevant.
Progression
You would be encouraged to develop your skills and qualifications through training. This could be via work-based qualifications, short courses and e-learning. You could progress from the Level 2 to the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. This would enable you to apply for a Leader, Supervisor or Managerial post. You could then work towards a Foundation Degree or Degree in Early Childhood Studies and / or Early Years Teacher Status.
Please note, to undertake a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and work in an Early Years setting, you must also have a suitable level 2 English qualification.
All staff who have obtained a level 2/ 3 qualification since June 2016 must obtain a paediatric first aid qualification within 3 months of starting work.
Paid and voluntary roles involving contact with children and young people will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Working in an Out of School Club
Many primary schools now offer extended school childcare provision and operate Breakfast Clubs, After School Clubs and Holiday Play Schemes for children aged up to 14 years.
This sort of work, known as Playwork, can be facilitated by trained Playworkers or early years and childcare workers. Enabling children to play is recognised as central to children’s social, emotional and intellectual development.
Children need play that is not adult-directed but freely chosen and child led; Playworkers support this for children. After School Clubs and Play Schemes are important to supporting children’s development and contribute to children being healthy, developing confidence and they provide exciting out of school activities and opportunities. Out of school provision can be run by voluntary organisations, charities, private companies, school governing bodies or local authorities.
What would I do?
At first you would typically be working as a Playworker and would be working under the supervision of a Play Leader or Supervisor.
Day-to-day tasks could include:
- organising and running activities
- providing play areas or materials and equipment
- encouraging independence, confidence and self-esteem
- giving children the choice and freedom to spend their leisure time in their own way
- providing a safe and stimulating environment for play
- dealing with injuries and emergencies
- encouraging fair and caring behaviour among the children
- liaising with parents/carers and other professionals
- attending training and team meetings
As a Play Leader you would manage the day to day running of the out of school provision including supervising staff and looking after the business side of things such as finance, recruitment, training and development of staff, working closely with parents/carers and promoting the Out of School Club setting. However in voluntary, committee-run settings the committee officers undertake some of these responsibilities.
What skills and experience do I need?
You must:
- have a genuine interest in facilitating learning and development through play
- be creative and flexible
- enjoy being active as you may be taking part in activities
- have the ability to work well as part of a team
- enjoy working outdoors as well as indoors
- be motivated and enthusiastic
- have an awareness of health and safety issues
- have a positive approach to training and development
- be committed to safeguarding
Volunteering is an excellent way to get experience of working in Playwork. You could contact settings in your local area to find out if they are able to take on a volunteer.
You can search for settings by using the Find Childcare in Devon Family Information Directory.
What qualifications do I need?
It is possible to get into Playwork without any related childcare qualifications if employers know that you are willing to attend training. Qualifications include the Level 2 Award/Certificate/ Diploma in Playwork.
If you already hold an Early Years & Childcare qualification such as the Level 2 Certificate/ Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, this could enable you to work in a Playwork setting. However it is good practice to undertake Playwork training such as the Level 3 Award/ Certificate/Diploma in Playwork. You could also undertake the Transitional Award which is designed to support your transition from Early Years to Playwork at Level 3.
It is also good practice to undertake the following training:
- paediatric first aid
- safeguarding awareness (mandatory for all practitioners)
- health and safety
- food hygiene
As a Manager, Supervisor or Leader you would need to have a minimum Level 3 qualification in early years and childcare or Playwork and would need to hold demonstrable experience of working in a similar setting.
Other early years qualifications can be recognised by the Department for Education (DfE) if there are included on the Early Years Qualifications List (EYQL) as full and relevant.
Progression
You would be encouraged to develop your skills and qualifications through training. This could be via work-based qualifications, short courses and e-learning. You could progress from the Level 2 Award/Certificate in Playwork to the Level 3 Diploma in Playwork. As a Leader or Manager there are opportunities to work towards a Level 5 in Playwork or Leadership and Management at Level 4 or 5.
Paid and voluntary roles involving contact with children and young people will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Working as a Childminder
A childminder looks after children in their own home (not the home of any of the children being cared for). Childminders provide a safe and stimulating home environment to provide care and to support the learning and development of each individual child.
Parents often choose childminding as it allows their child to be cared for in an environment following similar routines and activities to those they experience at home.
Childminders are self-employed so they are able to set their own hours, although hours will need to fit in with the needs of the parent. This could be throughout the day with young children and babies, or after school and in the holidays with older children, usually between 8am – 6pm. Childminders can also employ assistant(s) or Childminders can work with a small group (4+) of Childminders to offer childcare on domestic premises.
Childminders must be registered with either Ofsted or a Childminding Agency if they are being paid to provide care for children under the age of eight for more than two hours in any one day.
There are two Registers administered by Ofsted:
- Early Years Register Covering children from birth up to the 31st August following their fifth birthday
- Childcare Register Compulsory part – covering children from the end of the early years stage until they reach the age of eight. Voluntary part – covering children over eight years of age
Childminder agencies
Childminders can register with a childminder agency. Childminder agencies can give childminders the opportunity to become part of an established business model, they offer training, professional development, quality assurance and resources. As a childminder working for an agency, you would register with the childminder agency, not Ofsted.
Childminders caring for children under the age of five must be working with the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage for childminders (publishing.service.gov.uk) (EYFS). This includes the maximum number of children a childminder can look after, as well as other welfare and safeguarding requirements. Ofsted or Childminding Agency will check that your home environment and that you are suitable person for childminding.
What would I do?
- creating a warm, stimulating and safe home environment
- planning activities for children (indoors and outdoors)
- Being part of a local network of childminders where you could meet and exchange news
- planning and preparing meals and snacks
- observing children, assessing their needs and planning for their future progress
- being responsible for running your own small business from home
- changing nappies and preparing bottles if caring for babies
What skills and experience do I need?
You would need to:
- enjoy looking after children
- be enthusiastic, energetic and caring
- be able to support each individual child’s unique learning and development
- enjoy working with parents to make sure you provide a good service
- enjoy working from your own home
- be willing to learn and develop skills (through training) to help run your business effectively
- be committed to safeguarding
How do I become a registered childminder?
You will need to register with Ofsted or a Childminding Agency before you can look after children under the age of eight years. To be a childminder you need to be at least 18.
To become an Ofsted registered childminder you will need to:
- attend paediatric first aid training or have a valid certificate (within the last 3 years)
- attend safeguarding children awareness/core or have a valid certificate (within the last 3 years)
- You may also find it helpful to attend a preparing to be a childminder course run by the Early Years and Childcare Service. The course covers all the training requirements to prepare you for Ofsted registration.
Childminding agencies determine the requirements to join the agency. List of childminder agencies – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Visit our Early Years and Childcare website to find out more about the Preparing to be a Childminder course.
Progression
You would be encouraged to develop your skills and qualifications through training. This could be via a qualification, short courses and eLearning. As a registered childminder you can access short courses and training from the DEL training website and the Devon Education Services Shop.
You could progress from a Level 2 to a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
Early Years and Childcare website
If you are interested in becoming a Devon childminder please complete our childminder enquiry form.
Paid and voluntary roles involving contact with children and young people will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Working as a Volunteer
Voluntary work is often the best way to start a career as it allows you to get a feel for the work before you start; you will find out whether you would enjoy that kind of work or not. It is a great way to gain experience in different areas of work allowing you to make contacts which may help build opportunities in your future career.
Voluntary work is very useful to put on your CV as it shows employers that you have a positive approach to developing your skills and gaining experience. It is also something that many childcare employers look for in a candidate and many will specify in job adverts that candidates will need previous experience of working in a childcare setting (whether in a voluntary or paid capacity).
If you want to work with children you could volunteer at a nursery, pre-school, playgroup, after-school club or local primary school. You would need to contact the setting beforehand to arrange voluntary work.
You can search for settings by using the Find Childcare in Devon Family Information Directory.
What would I do?
- if you are volunteering in a nursery / pre-school you might be helping staff to provide
- care to young children and supporting their learning through play
- in an after school club you might be helping the playworker with activities and games
- in a family hub you might be supporting sessional groups and working with children and their families / carers
You can volunteer for an hour or a few days a week. It depends on how much time you are able to spare. As a volunteer you would be supervised at all times
What skills and experience do I need?
Enthusiasm is the key, and the ability to offer a small amount of your time is essential. An interest in the place you will be spending time in also helps. You will need to have a positive approach to learning new skills.
What qualifications do I need?
You do not need to hold any specific qualifications to volunteer however you will need to have a positive approach to learning new skills. Volunteering is often a good way to access any training that the setting may offer, and as a volunteer you can access fully funded safeguarding children awareness training.
An Enhanced DBS will be required if you intend to volunteer on a regular basis and have regular contact with children and young people. Very occasional or one-off contact is not likely to justify applying for a DBS Disclosure. Volunteers will receive a DBS check free of charge.
Progression:
As a volunteer you may be able to secure a permanent position within the setting, or the experience you have gained may help you when applying for jobs. You may also be able to access any training opportunities that the setting may offer.
Paid and voluntary roles involving contact with children and young people will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Early Years Teacher Status (Qualified Teacher Status)
The first five years of life are pivotal in a child’s development. High quality early years provision can help children achieve their potential and support parents and families. This requires a well-trained, well-supported and highly motivated workforce – and that’s where Early Years Teachers come in. Early Years Teachers are key to raising the quality of early years provision. To become an Early Years Teacher you need to gain Early Years Teacher Status. Early Years Teacher Status is not a qualification but a status given at degree level that is achieved by evidencing you meet a set of standards.
Early Years Teacher Status allows you to lead in early years settings on delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), to improve and provide the best outcomes for children aged 0–5 years.
What would I do?
As an Early Years Teacher you would lead practice across the EYFS, support and mentor other practitioners in the setting and model the skills and behaviours that safeguard and support children. You would be leading colleagues who have various levels of qualifications and experience within your childcare setting.
The Early Years Teacher role is one that challenges thinking, suggests improvements and manages change to meet the EYFS and achieve the best Ofsted inspection results.
What skills and experience do I need?
You will need to:
- enjoy working with young children
- work effectively in a team
- have effective leadership skills
- effectively communicate and work in partnership with families, carers and other professionals
- establish fair, respectful, trusting, supportive and constructive relationships with children
- inspire and motivate colleagues to improve their practice
- plan and provide safe and appropriate activities and play opportunities which enable children to develop and learn
- be passionate about improving outcomes for all children
- have up-to-date knowledge and understanding of Early Years practice with children aged 0–5 years
What qualifications do I need?
To become an Early Years Teacher you need to gain Early Years Teacher Status, which is a graduate level status. To achieve Early Years Teacher Status you will need to undertake one of four available training pathways. The pathway for you will depend on your current experience and qualifications and the training provider will help you decide which is the most suitable pathway of study for you. All candidates will need to have GCSE Maths, English and Science at grade C or above (or equivalent), and a full degree.
What can I earn?
Salaries will vary depending on the employer.
Early Years Professionals and Early Years Teachers
Early Years Professionals (EYPs) and Early Years Teachers (EYTs) are graduate level practitioners key to raising the quality of early years provision. They are ‘change agents’ to improve practice. EYPs / EYTs lead practice across the Early Years Foundation Stage, support and mentor other practitioners and model the skills and behaviours that safeguard and support children.
EYPs / EYTs have helped to improve the quality of early education which has been recognised by the government and has helped to shape future developments.
Please note EYPs / EYTs do not hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
How can I find training providers?
A list of approved early years teacher training providers across the country for September intake is available on the Department for Education website.
Please contact a training provider for more information.
Early years teacher training providers include:
You can also find more information on the PACEY website (professional association for childcare and early years).
Qualification levels
There are a range of qualifications and short courses suitable for every stage of your career to support your continued professional development.
To view the different qualification levels, please visit the qualification pages of our website.
Frequently asked questions
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I would really like to work with children and would like to do some training in my own time, is there anything available?
If you have access to a computer, you could undertake some e-learning to build on your knowledge of the sector. Elearning allows you to undertake short courses and training in your own time, at your own pace. Volunteering in a childcare setting is a great way to gain some practical work experience in order to develop your skills and practical knowledge. As a volunteer you would get the chance to find out whether you would enjoy the work, gain valuable experience which would help when applying for jobs, and would be in a good position to access any training available.
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Who would I contact to arrange work experience?
You could contact local early years childcare settings near you such as nurseries, pre-schools or children’s centres / family hubs.
You can search for settings by using the Find Childcare in Devon Family Information Directory. You could either phone up the settings to enquire about voluntary opportunities, or you could put together a CV to send out to them.
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Do I need a DBS check to volunteer?
You will need to apply for an Enhanced DBS disclosure if you are likely to have frequent contact with children on a regular basis. If you are volunteering on an occasional or one-off basis it may not be necessary to apply for a DBS. There is currently no charge for volunteer checks and in many cases checks for paid staff will be paid for by your employer.
For full information visit the Disclosure and Barring Service pages on the Gov.uk website.
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Would I need to go to college to study for a childcare qualification?
Many childcare qualifications are work based which means that you would be studying while you work. To start a childcare qualification you will need to have a relevant placement secured in a childcare setting, either paid or voluntary. If studying in a work-based route an assessor would visit you in the workplace, but taught courses would require you to spend some time in college and the rest of the time in the workplace. Some courses are via distance learning so you have less contact with the trainer – the style of learning will vary depending on the training provider and your requirements.
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I would like to undertake a childcare qualification but I don’t think I can afford the cost of study, is there any help available?
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How can I find out about the latest job vacancies?
All the latest job vacancies in early years and childcare and wider roles can be found on the Devon Jobs website. 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.
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What qualifications do I need to work in an early years setting?
Different roles require different qualifications. For example, an Assistant role will typically require you to hold a ‘full and relevant’ Level 2 qualification and a Manager/Leader/Supervisor role will require a ‘full and relevant’ Level 3 as a minimum. Employers may take you on if they know that you are prepared to undertake training to obtain the required qualifications.
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Which level of qualification is best for me?
Most people start off by undertaking a relevant Level 2 qualification. It is possible to start at Level 3 if you have enough experience.
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Where can I find suitable training opportunities?
Training opportunities for early years and childcare practitioners (i.e.: short cpd courses, mandatory training and eLearning) are listed on the Devon Education Services Shop and on the DEL training website. You generally need to be already working in an early years and childcare setting in order to access training on these sites.
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Do I need to be working to undertake training?
In order to access training you need to be working or volunteering in a relevant childcare setting. Most training has an element of practical learning therefore it is important that you have access to a work placement (whether paid or voluntary).
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How do I know that I have got the right qualification to work in an early years setting?
The qualifications finder is a searchable tool designed to help those delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to identify which qualifications are considered ‘full and relevant’. It will also identify any recommended further training.
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Where can I access further career support?
The National Careers Service provide job seekers with free support, including practical support such as writing applications.
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Do you live in Torbay or Plymouth?
If you choose to 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 run by separate local authorities and do not fall under the remit of Devon County Council’s support and funding arrangements.