Looking to work in early years or childcare - Print version

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?

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 [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/early-years-childcare/childcare-options/3]. 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. [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/early-years-childcare/childminding]

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 [http://www.vacoventry.org.uk/] 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 [https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service/about]

Training and qualifications

It is vital that all practitioners working in the early years sector attain recognised qualifications and certified courses when working with children. This is to make sure that all children are provided with high level of care and education which meets Ofsted requirements. To work as a  qualified member of staff, you will need to hold an approved qualification that is recognised by Department of Education.

If you are just starting your childcare career journey you may wish to undertake the NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in An Introduction to Early Years Settings | NCFE [https://www.ncfe.org.uk/qualification-search/qualification-detail/ncfe-cache-level-1-award-in-an-introduction-to-early-years-settings-167#:~:text=This%20qualification%20develops%20a%20basic,links%20in%20the%20local%20community.]. This qualification develops a basic knowledge of childcare in early years settings. It covers working with children up to the age of 5 years old. The units include subjects such as the value of play, roles and responsibilities of carers and volunteers and the importance of developing links in the local community.

Coventry Adult Education Service

Coventry Adult Education is an integral part of Coventry City Council. They offer a range of training courses including Working as an Early Years Practitioner in locations across the city. Courses are taught by friendly and qualified tutors.  Please visit the Adult Education Service [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/adult-education/adult-education-service] to find more information on the courses they offer. 

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine real work with training and study for a specific role. You will learn new skills, gain experience, and earn a salary too. There are two entry-level early years apprenticeships:

• level 2 early years practitioner (equivalent to GCSEs)
• level 3 early years educator (equivalent to A Levels)

Find out more about Apprenticeships [https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/]. Both level 2 and 3 apprenticeships are suitable for those with no previous experience.

Level 2 may be more suitable for those leaving school at 16, It allows you to work in an early years setting under supervision. It is an excellent entry point into the sector. 

Level 3 may be more suitable for those who want to plan, organise and lead learning activities and supervise others.

Did you know Coventry City Council offer apprenticeships in Early Years? “One Coventry” is the council’s approach to building a Coventry that works for all, and apprenticeships are a key part of the councils plans to train the workforce of the future. As an apprentice at Coventry City Council, you will be able to reach your potential in a supportive and structured environment. You can check the eligibility criteria and find out how to apply directly for an apprenticeship with Coventry City Council here. [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/future-talent/apprenticeships-early-careers] 95% of Council apprentices who finished in 2024 went into employment.

Skills Bootcamps

If you are over 19 years of age and meet the eligibility criteria, skills bootcamps have been developed in a wide range of sectors to provide the opportunity to train in a new industry or progress your career. They help you develop the skills that employers are looking for. They are flexible so you can organise your learning and studies around your other commitments.

The 6 –12 week course may include face-to-face or online teaching around the following subjects:

• An introduction into what it is like to work in the childcare sector
• Knowledge of Child Development and the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum
• How to observe and plan activities for children
• Health and Safety requirements including basic First Aid
• How to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• An understanding of how best to safeguard children
• Support with obtaining a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
• Provide an opportunity to upskill in English and Maths qualifications (if required)

At the end of the course, you will have a guaranteed interview with an Early Years provider.

On successful completion of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Gain employment
• Progress to a Level 3 apprenticeship
• Progress in your current job
• Find a new business opportunity of you are self employed

Skills bootcamps for new careers in early years - Realise [https://realisetraining.com/course/early-years-skills-bootcamp/]

Coventry College

Coventry College [https://www.coventrycollege.ac.uk/subject/childcare-early-years/] offers a range of childcare and early years training courses. T-Levels are one option after you have completed your GSCE’s. Entry requirements for each course are set out by the college. Check with Coventry College to find out their entry requirements for the Education and Childcare T Level. Further information on T Levels and what you will need before you start is available online at Education and Early Years | T Levels. [https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/students/subjects/education] The programmes will give you the opportunity to advance your practical skills in a range of educational settings and scenarios. You will also develop your theoretical and industry knowledge. Contact them on 024 7693 2932 for visit their web site for further information.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce (CWT)

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training [https://www.cw-chambertraining.co.uk/] is a leading provider of training and development opportunities, including apprenticeships and higher education courses across Coventry and Warwickshire.  Telephone 024 7623 1122 or visit their web site for further information.

Online Training

If you are thinking of working with small children or if you already working with them, there are courses available to help you get one step ahead or brush up on your skills. There is a free online course available in Child Development and to access this course, no prior experience is required early years child development course . If you are already working in early years this training course will build and strengthen your existing knowledge of child development. If you are just starting out, then it will give you invaluable new insight in child development  You can choose to do this online course whenever suits you and you will achieve a certificate for each module you complete.

Professional Qualifications

It is vital that the early years workforce is well-qualified with the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience to deliver high quality early education. Whichever route you choose it is important that the qualification you will hold on completion of your training is full and relevant and will count in the “qualified Staff:Child” ratio when delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

The minimum standards in relation to the ratio of qualification requirements for the early years workforce can be found in the Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework - GOV.UK. [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2]

The Department for Education Early Years Qualification List stipulates exactly which current, new and old qualifications are full and relevant. It also includes information on equivalent overseas qualifications. Qualifications can be checked by visiting Early years qualifications achieved in the United Kingdom - GOV.UK [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-qualifications-achieved-in-england]

Unfortunately, there are some training providers who claim to offer qualifications that do not meet the Department for Education’s (DfE) “full and relevant” criteria. This means that they cannot be counted towards the staff-to-child ratios in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). 

Support whilst you study

Support available to young parents who wish to continue with their studies

Parents under 20 years

Are you a parent aged under 20 years and would like to study towards a publicly funded course at sixth form or college? You might get help with the cost of registered childcare through the Care to Learn Scheme where you could get up to £180 per child per week if you live outside London. Find out more by visiting Care to Learn: Overview - GOV.UK [https://www.gov.uk/care-to-learn]

Childcare Grant

If you are a parent in full time higher education, you can apply for help with childcare costs through the Childcare Grant scheme. You could get up to 85% of your costs paid and will not have to pay it back.

Further information is available at Childcare Grant: Overview - GOV.UK [https://www.gov.uk/childcare-grant]

The maximum you can get is:

• Up to £188.90 a week for one child
• Up to £323.85 a week for 2 or more children

Job opportunities

Job Information and Support

Coventry Information Directory [https://cid.coventry.gov.uk/kb5/coventry/directory/family.page?familychannel=0] has information on  Early Years and Childcare job and apprenticeship opportunities within Coventry area.

Coventry Job Shop

Coventry Job Shop [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/employment-support] offers a wide range of support including:

• Practical Support: Support with preparing CV, interview skills, confidence building, interview preparation and keeping your job once you get it.
• Direct vacancies from our employer network [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/jobshopvacancies]
• Exciting events to meet directly with local employers [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/jobshopevents] and training providers.
• Careers Advice: Specialised support and guidance to help you succeed in a career of your choice.
• Skills Support: Helping you find the right training providers for the skills you need for your chosen career.
• Money Advice: To help you with managing debt, budgeting, claiming benefits and better off calculation.
• Barrier Breaking Support: Helping with travel costs, interview clothing and childcare support.
• Health and Wellbeing Support: Maintaining or improving your health and wellbeing.
• Signposting: Helping you access a range of other services that can support you.

Local and National

Department of Work and Pensions

The Department of Work and Pensions find a job web search [https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job] allows job seekers to search for both local and national job opportunities.

Do Something Big - early years careers

#DoSomethingBig Campaign

Do Something Big - Early Years Careers [https://earlyyearscareers.campaign.gov.uk/] is a national website where you can access lots of useful information including:

• What it is like to work in early years
• Real stories of people working in various early years and childcare jobs
• Training and qualifications required
• Apprenticeship options
• Support to help complete a job application form and write your CV
• Preparing for job interviews
• Job search option
• Career blogs

By choosing a career in childcare, you get the chance to #DoSomethingBig.