In the Early Years and Childcare (EYC) sector, each day is different. You will help children learn and develop, while building relationships and supporting their families.
You can develop your career while you work and/or study.
You have the chance to start your own business or take on a wide range of roles, such as:
- childminder;
- nanny.
You could also work in:
- A nursery or preschool.
- A children's centre.
- A school - as a teaching assistant or on a pathway to become a teacher.
- The health sector on a children's hospital ward or in a health visiting team.
For more about roles:
- Visit: Working in early years and childcare (GOV.UK).
- Watch: Do Something Big (YouTube).
Career progression routes
Early Years Worker Level 0 to 2
You can be an apprentice or work in an EYC provision such as:
- Private or school nursery.
- School Reception.
- Children's centre.
- Out of school/holiday club.
You can progress on to:
- An apprenticeship.
- Level 2 or 3 qualifications.
- Play work.
Homebased provision Level 0 to 7
You can be a:
- Childminder;
- Nanny.
You do not need early year's qualification for these, but we recommend at least level 2 or 3 professional qualification.
Childminders must:
- Register with Ofsted.
- Understand and meet the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.
It is optional to register for nannies, but if you do it provides assurance and can help parents financially. For more details, visit: Register as a Nanny (GOV.UK).
You can progress on to professional qualifications at levels 2 to 7.
Early Years Practitioner Level 3
You can work in one of the EYC provisions listed under Early Years Worker Level 0 - 2 or:
- Residential provision.
- A health team.
- A hospital on a children's ward.
- Community child and family work.
Specialist roles include:
- Special Education Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO).
- Designated Safeguarding Lead and Child Protection Officer (DSL and CPO).
- Special Education Needs and Disability Lead (SEND).
- Physical Activity and Nutrition Co-ordinator (PANCO).
- Speech Language and Communication lead.
- Literacy or Maths Leader.
- Teaching Apprenticeships.
- Residential Childcare Worker 0-19 (Level 3).
You can progress on to roles such as:
- Early Years Room Leader or Senior Practitioner.
- Designated Safeguarding lead.
- Deputy Manager.
- Manager.
- Local Authority quality/regulatory position.
- Early Years Assessor.
Studying at Higher Education
You can study level 4, 5 and 6 for:
- Early Years Teaching.
- Teaching Adults.
- Youth work.
- Play work.
- Social work.
- Early Childhood Studies.
- Leadership and Management.
- Early Years.
- Access to Health courses.
- Route to MA and Doctorates.
- Graduate Practitioner Competences.
At level 6 and above you can explore:
- Social Work.
- Early Years Teacher.
- Primary School Teacher.
- Tutor or Early Years Lecturer.
- Early Years Advisor.
- Manager.
- Early Years Leader in a school, college or university.
- Ofsted Inspector.
You must complete a Paediatric First Aid course for most roles. You may also need to complete a basic food hygiene course for some roles.
All roles require elements of Continuous Professional Development training, including Safeguarding. This is available from a range of providers including:
- Calderdale Council.
- The Professional Organisation Childcare and Early Years (PACEY).
- National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA).
- Early Years Alliance.
- Calderdale Safeguarding Partnership.
Resources and support
For more about early years organisations, careers, education and jobs, see:
