Working in childcare is rewarding yet a challenging career.
Employers normally prefers employees to be aged 18 years or over.
The following skills and attributes are also important:
- The ability to relate to babies, children and/ or young people
- Good communication skills
- Personal confidence and maturity
- An understanding of and respect for diversity in terms of the make up of the family, racial origin and cultural beliefs
- Ability to assess situations and seek advice and support
- Ability to remain calm under pressure or in a crisis or emergency
- Understanding of the potential physical and emotional pressures of working with children and young people
- Understanding of the need for child protection
For all jobs working with children applicants have to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. Having a criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from working with children - it will depend upon the severity of the offence and whether you are otherwise suitable.
There are lots of career opportunities working with children and young people for men and women of all ages and cultural backgrounds, including those with disabilities.
If you already work in the sector, you may wish to develop your career by further training, a new job or professional development.
Be sure to check the training section of this website for details on courses and CPD opportunities.
Qualifications
There are many career paths available for work with children and young people. There are different levels of qualifications suitable for every stage of your career and you can progress to senior practitioner or management level if you wish.
Entry Level
For people with little or no experience of working with children or for people who wish to develop their knowledge in a specific area.
Level 2
For those who are working under supervision such as a Nursery Assistant or Playgroup Assistant working with children under five, or an Assistant Playworker in an out of school setting.
Level 3
For those who work on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and supervising others, for example, a Nursery Practitioner, Playgroup Leader, Senior Playworker or a Childminder working on their own at home.
Level 4
For experienced practitioners who carry out complex and non routine tasks such as a manager of an early years nursery or out of school setting or a development officer for a local authority.
Ofsted
Ofsted require that at least half of those working in a registered group childcare setting need to have a recognised qualification, so gaining a qualification is an important step in improving your employment and career opportunities.
Grants for Training in Childcare, Early Years and Playwork
Childcare, Early Years and Playwork practitioners may apply for funding to support course fees in the Local Authority area that they live in. (This is the Local Authority to which you pay your Council Tax). This arrangement has been agreed across the whole of the West Yorkshire region.
If you live outside of the Bradford District area you will need to contact your local authority to request a funding application form from them.
If you wish to apply for funding please complete and return the Training grant form below.
