Starting a Career in Early Years Education
Our recent survey, A Look Into Early Years Staff Wellbeing, revealed that many early years professionals experience high levels of job satisfaction, highlighting the incredible rewards of working with children and supporting their development.
If you’re seeking a fulfilling and meaningful career, working in early years could be the perfect fit for you. There’s so much joy to be found in helping young children learn and grow. It’s a career where you can make a real difference, shaping their education and leaving a positive impact that lasts a lifetime. The possibilities are endless, whether you want to join a team, lead one, or work independently. In this blog, we’ll explore the different career paths available in early years education.
An introduction to early years education
Early years education is all about supporting the development of young children, usually from birth to the age of five. It takes place in a variety of settings, including nurseries, preschools, and childminders, where children can learn through play in a safe and nurturing environment.
These early years are crucial for a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth. During this time, children build the foundation for their future learning, developing essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and interacting with others.
Career paths in early years education
If you’re thinking about a career in early years education, you’ll be pleased to know there are a variety of roles to suit different skills and ambitions. Here’s a look at some of the key career paths available.
Nursery practitioner
As a nursery practitioner, you’ll be working directly with young children in nurseries or preschools, helping them learn and grow through play. Your role will involve creating fun, engaging activities that cater to each child’s interests and developmental needs, while ensuring their safety and wellbeing at all times. You’ll also work to build strong relationships with parents, keeping them updated on their child’s progress and development. To get started in this rewarding career, you’ll typically need a Level 2 or 3 qualification in childcare, such as a Diploma in Childcare and Education or an NVQ in Early Years.
You can even begin this role as an apprentice, allowing you to gain hands-on experience while studying towards your qualification—earning while you learn!
Childminder
If you prefer to work independently, becoming a childminder might be the perfect option. As a childminder, you’ll run your own business, caring for children in your own home or in a local setting, such as a community centre. You’ll need to register with Ofsted, complete paediatric first aid training, and ensure you meet all safety and safeguarding standards.
The benefits? You have the freedom to set your own working hours and offer a warm, home-from-home environment where children can confidently play, learn and develop. It’s an ideal role for those who want flexibility while making a meaningful impact on children’s lives.
Room leader
Once you’ve gained experience as a childcare practitioner, you might want to step up to the role of room leader. Room leaders oversee a specific age group within a nursery, managing a team of practitioners and ensuring the room’s activities are in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Strong leadership and organisational skills are key in this role.
Nursery manager
A nursery manager is responsible for the overall running of a nursery, managing staff, liaising with parents, and ensuring the nursery meets all regulatory and safety standards. It’s a big job, but very rewarding for those who want to lead a team and make a real impact on the quality of early years education. To become a manager, you’ll usually need a higher qualification such as a Level 5 diploma in childcare leadership, along with several years of experience.
Teaching assistant (EYFS)
Working as a teaching assistant (TA) in early years settings means you’ll be supporting teachers in reception classes or other early years environments. You’ll help deliver lessons, support children in their learning, and assist with classroom management. While you don’t always need formal qualifications, having some experience or training in childcare is a big advantage.
Special educational needs (SEN) roles
For those interested in supporting children with additional needs, SEN roles offer a specialised path. This might involve working one-on-one with children who require extra support, adapting activities, and helping to create an inclusive learning environment. Additional training in SEN is usually required, but the role is incredibly rewarding for those passionate about making a difference for children who need it most.
Early years teacher (EYT)
An early years teacher (EYT) has a more formal teaching role in early education, often in nursery or reception settings. Unlike a Nursery Practitioner, an EYT focuses on delivering structured learning in line with the EYFS framework. To become an EYT, you’ll need to complete a degree and a postgraduate qualification in early years initial teacher training (EYITT). This role offers more responsibility and the opportunity to influence children’s learning at a critical stage.
Good skills and qualities for working with children
First and foremost, patience is key—working with young children can be challenging, and it’s important to remain calm and understanding as they learn and develop at their own pace. Strong communication skills are also crucial, as you’ll be working closely with both children and their parents, ensuring clear and open dialogue.
Creativity is another vital skill, allowing you to design engaging and fun activities that capture children’s imaginations while supporting their learning. Empathy is equally important, as it helps you understand the emotions and needs of the children in your care, ensuring they feel supported and valued.
Personal qualities like a passion for child development and resilience are what truly set great early years professionals apart. A genuine love for helping children grow and succeed will keep you motivated, while resilience ensures you can handle the ups and downs that come with working in such an emotionally rewarding, but sometimes demanding, role. These skills and qualities will help you make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of children.
Getting started…
If you’re considering a career in early years education, there are a few practical steps you can take to get started.
1. Research qualifications
The first step is to understand the qualifications you’ll need. If you’re unsure where to begin, reach out to local colleges or training providers, or explore online courses to see what’s available.
2. Apply for jobs
Once you have the right qualifications (or are in the process of gaining them), it’s time to start looking for job opportunities. There are several resources where you can find vacancies:
Job boards: websites like Indeed, Nursery World Jobs, and Totaljobs regularly post early years roles. Check out our article listing popular childcare job boards here.
Local council websites: many local councils post childcare vacancies, including nursery and childminding roles, on their websites.
Recruitment agencies: agencies that specialise in early years education can also help match you with the right job.
3. Network in the sector
Networking is a brilliant way to learn more about the early years sector and discover new job opportunities. Consider joining professional groups and attending early years conferences like the Nursery World Show, Nursery Management Show, or the Childcare and Education Expo. These events provide fantastic opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, boost your professional development, and explore innovative products and services that can support your work.
You can also connect with other childcare professionals online through platforms like LinkedIn or early years-focused Facebook groups. If you’re thinking about becoming a self-employed childminder, exploring local childminder networks is another great way to gain insights and build connections.
4. Stay updated
Finally, keep up with developments in the early years sector. Resources like the Early Years Alliance and Pacey (Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years) offer news, training opportunities, and advice that can help you stay informed and grow in your career.
If you’re thinking about starting a career in early childhood education, the Gov.uk campaign “Be Part of Something Big” is a great place to start. The campaign’s webpage provides useful information about the different career paths you can take, with inspiring videos featuring real-life stories from people working in the sector. It’s a brilliant way to get a feel for what the job is really like.
You can also browse open job vacancies directly from the page. Ready to take the next step? Search for jobs as an early years educator today!
With around 30,000 nurseries and preschools across the UK, there are plenty of exciting opportunities waiting for you!
If you’re ready to explore a career in early years education or just want to learn more, we’ve got plenty of free resources to help you along the way! Check out our blog page for insights into the sector, download our eBooks packed with useful information, and watch our webinars that dive deeper into the world of early years education.
These resources are designed to shine a light on the sector and help you feel informed and inspired as you take the next step in your career journey. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
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About the Author
Content Marketing Executive at Connect Childcare