Yes, and there has never been a better time to think about a career in childcare, early years or playwork.
The demand for staff in early years, childcare and play has increased in recent years and is set to increase a lot more in the next few years.
There are nationally recognised qualifications in childcare, early years or playwork, which are available from assistant through to management level.
Are there any entry requirements?
Because of the responsibility involved in looking after other people’s children, employers prefer employees to be at least 18 years of age before working with children. There is plenty of scope and encouragement for members of all age groups to work with children - including those up to the age of retirement.
For all jobs working with children you 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.
Skills analysis: see if you are suited to working with children
Before you start the process of responding to job advertisements, or contacting potential employers, it is a good idea for you to carry out a skills analysis on yourself. This will be particularly useful if you are planning to work in childcare having previously worked in a different sector or area of work.
By skills analysis we mean that you should analyse and assess your own strengths and weaknesses. You should also identify any relevant experience that you may have of working with children and the reasons why you want to make the move into working with children.
Do you have some of these skills?
Employers in the childcare, early years or playwork sectors have identified the following skills and understanding as being suitable for people wanting to work in the sector:
- The ability to relate to babies, children and/ or young people
- Good communication skills with adults as well as children
- An appropriate degree of 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
- An understanding of the need for confidentiality
- Willingness to learn and evaluate own practice
- 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
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Awareness that children and young people are individuals and develop at different rates
