Working in the early years sector

There is currently a great demand for people to work in the early years, caring for and educating children aged 0-5.
A teacher and young students are laying on the floor, the students are playing with dolls and a rainbow.

Why work in the early years sector?

There will always be work in the early years sector as babies and young children need to be cared for whilst parents and carers work.

Working in the early years includes working in a private daycare nursery, as a childminder, in a preschool, in a school nursery or an out of school club.

Do something big - Early Years Careers.

Level 3 practitioner

Childminder

Is a career in early years for me?

  • I want a job that is rewarding – Working with babies and young children can be challenging and is incredibly rewarding. You see children develop before your eyes as they engage in the experiences you provide for them.
  • I need some flexibility in my working hours – Working in early years is often flexible to fit that need.
  • I want to develop myself – Early years jobs involve learning about child development and behaviour and experiencing this first hand. There are plentiful opportunities for continuing professional development and meeting people.
  • I don’t want to spend all day sitting at a desk – Most roles involve supporting learning and development through playful experiences spending lots of time outdoors as well as inside as early learning occurs everywhere.
  • I have a social conscience and want to support my local community – Early years settings are at the heart of a community. Working with young children and their families means you are really making a difference to people’s lives.
  • I want a job that is fun – If you like to play, be imaginative and creative, get messy, be outdoors, make things, have varied opportunities, interesting conversations and make lasting relationships then come and work in the early years!

Early Years special educational needs coordinator (SENCo)

Deputy manager

Nursery manager

Other early years careers resources

  • The career pathway map provides detailed information about different early years job roles, entry points and progression routes within the sector.

How do I get a qualification to work in a pre-school or nursery?

Many people are able to gain an early years qualification whilst working - contact your local college or training provider for further details.

Although there are some jobs in early years settings where a qualification is not required, most people who work in nursery and preschool settings gain a level 2 or a level 3 qualification.

Check an early years qualification

Use this service to:

  • check if an early years qualification achieved in England is approved as full and relevant by the Department for Education (DfE)
  • confirm if someone who holds this qualification can count in staff:child ratios at level 2, 3 or 6 in an early years setting in England.
Check an Early Years qualification

You may also qualify for a free, 12 week Early Years Professional Skills Bootcamp.

Skills Bootcamps are a transformative programme designed to equip passionate individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career in the Early Years sector. Find out more from the webpage below.

Early Years Professional Skills Bootcamp | Central YMCA

How do I become a childminder?

You do not need a qualification to become a childminder, though some short courses are required. Find out more information at the link below.

If you would like further support in becoming a childminder, call us on 0345 60 800 33 and leave us a message, a team member who knows your local area will return your call.

A man is sitting on a sofa reading a book to two children.