Working in Childcare

Working in Early Years. Its not just child's play

There's never been a better time to work in Early Years and Childcare. It's a growing sector and there is an increasing demand for staff at all levels.

There are plenty of opportunities to gain training and qualifications. Over the next few years there will be more Early Years and Childcare provision, which will provide more opportunities for people who want to work with young children.

Early Years and Childcare is an expanding and dynamic sector. It's also an important career, as those who work in it play an incredibly valuable role in shaping the lives of future generation. It's a career you can be proud of.

It's also fun working with children every day and watching them develop and learn. Most people who work in the sector love their jobs and look forward to going to work every day.

What is early Years and Childcare?

In Early Years and Childcare there are opportunities for everyone, whether you want to work full-time or part-time as an assistant, or in a more managerial position. It's impossible to define all the roles available as there is so much variety but here are some ideas:

You could be a nursery assistant or a playworker, working with children all day. Not only do you get to enjoy playing and having fun with children but you are also helping them to develop and learn.
They will use some of the skills they learn with you, such as how to get on with other children, for the rest of their lives.

If you are interested in a more managerial job you may end up running your own nursery- being your own boss, taking responsibility for staff and budgets and building relationships with parents.

Jobs in Early Years and Childcare can be flexible and fit around family life. You could become a childminder, looking after children in your own home.

You can also work with children of different ages. Most jobs are with younger children aged 0-5 but you could also work with older children, for example; in after school clubs running activities such as sports or homework support.

The new role of an Early Years Professional combines both working directly with children and leading and supporting other staff to demonstrate excellent practice. Early Years Professionals can work with children aged 0-5 years in nurseries, children's centres, pre-schools or as childminders.

The main thing you need is passion, enthusiasm and more than anything, to love working with children. The following Early Years careers pages will give you an idea of what some of the roles are and some of the challenges that you might face.

For further information call 0161 203 3200 or email childrensservices@manchester.gov.uk