Early Years

A job in early years is unique and rewarding, you get to be part of a child's early education and help to shape their future. No matter what the day brings, you'll feel joy in seeing children grow, learn and flourish. And there are lots of different types of roles. Read more about just some of these below:

Nursery assistant

Nursery assistants tend to work in the same settings as nursery nurses in a less senior role. They are often members of staff who are relatively inexperienced or who hold a low level of qualification. They are likely to be training for a level 2 qualification and will be well supervised.

Nursery nurse

Nursery nurses are qualified members of staff, usually holding a level 3 qualification. They are normally responsible for the care, education and all-round development of the children. They can work in a variety of settings including:

• local authority nursery schools (sometimes referred to as maintained)
• private day nurseries
• child and family centres
• community nurseries
• pre-school

Deputy nursery manager

The deputy nursery manager would be expected to run the nursery in the absence of the nursery manager and need experience in supervising staff. A comprehensive knowledge of childcare and early education issues is also essential, as well as Level 3 qualification.

Nursery manager

Nursery managers have been qualified for at least two years and have managerial experience. To run the nursery on a day-to-day basis they need good administrative and communication skills plus team leadership abilities and comprehensive knowledge of childcare and early education issues.

Pre-school assistant

Pre-school assistants are employed in the same settings as pre-school leaders in a less senior role. Most employers will prefer assistants to hold a qualification or undertake training at level 2. Many parents begin a career in childcare as pre-school assistants working at their local playgroup.

Pre-school leader

Pre-school leaders are employed in pre-school or playgroup settings and work with children aged between two and five years. The sessions can be full-day or part-day such as 2½ hour sessions. The emphasis is on learning through play and parental involvement in all aspects of the playgroup is encouraged. The pre-school leader organises and plans appropriate learning and play activities for the children, supervises staff and reports to the pre-school owner or Chair of Trustees. Pre-school leaders will have a level 3 qualification and will have suitable experience of working with children.

Playwork assistant

Playwork assistants support the playwork leader in their work.  Most of their job is face to face work with the children. Playwork assistants will hold, or be encouraged to work towards, a level 2 qualification.

Playwork leader

Playwork leaders work in a range of settings including hospitals, community centres, breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, holiday playschemes, women's refuges, adventure playgrounds and junior youth clubs. They normally work with children aged 5 to 15 outside school hours. The playwork leader manages the provision on-site and provides a range of safe and developmental play opportunities suitable to the age range. A playwork leader would normally be qualified to level 3.

Sound like the career for you?

Working in Early Years, you will make an important impact in children's lives, providing them with the best education, care and support.

You will play a special part in creating happy memories and exciting experiences and you will see the impact you have as you watch children grow in confidence and develop the skills they need to reach their full potential.