Career opportunities
Find out all you need to know about a career in Early Years and Childcare
Childcare is an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career. Starting a profession in early years and childcare is your opportunity to support children as they learn, develop and prepare for school, so if you are looking at starting a career after leaving school, returning to the workplace or considering a career change, there are many different routes to finding a role in childcare.
You will have the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of the children and families you work with, while you are building a strong career through the qualifications, skills and experience you will gain.
Reasons to consider a career in Early Years and Childcare
- You can make a difference - you will play a key part in helping a child to develop and learn.
- No two days are the same - one day you may be teaching children finger painting, the next you could be helping to plan a trip to the local farm.
- If you prefer your work to be energetic and varied, then childcare could be an ideal career for you!
- Job security – parents and carers will always need childcare
- Being outdoors – you will get to spend lots of time outdoors with children whilst they explore and learn
- It is fun - working with children gives you the opportunity to let your inner child run free. you could be playing make-believe games, showing off your artistic skills or running a sports day, your work will never be boring.
Skills and qualities
Do you have the right skills and qualities to succeed in a career in childcare?
- Enjoy being with children and have an interest in child development
- Have a proficient level of spoken and written English
- Excellent communication and listening skills
- Imaginative and creative
- Friendly and approachable
- Fun, with a good sense of humour
- Patient, empathetic and caring
- Hardworking and a team player
- Trustworthy, punctual and flexible
If you recognise yourself in the skills and qualities list above; working with young children could be an ideal career choice for you.
Types of Childcare
One of the benefits of working in childcare is that it can be a flexible profession. There is a range of full-time, part-time, and term-time opportunities available in a range of different childcare organisations, these include day nurseries, preschools, playgroups, wraparound care and holiday playschemes.
More information about the types of childcare can be found at Childcare options. Within these different organisations you could be:
- A volunteer
- Apprentice
- Assistant
- Leader/Supervisor
- Deputy Manager
- Manager
- Childcare business owner
Childminding is another career option you make consider, why not take a look at How to become a childminder in Coventry.
Volunteering
Becoming a volunteer is an excellent way to gain experience working with children and families and various roles – it will also provide you with up-to-date experience of working with children for your curriculum vitae (CV)
You could approach your local childcare provider and ask about a volunteering opportunity.
Voluntary Action Coventry is an organisation that can connect you to a wide range of volunteering opportunities.
Disclosure and Barring (DBS)
Any person working directly with children or running a childcare service must have an Enhanced DBS Check. This level of DBS check shows an individual’s full criminal record history. About us - Disclosure and Barring Service - GOV.UK