Early Years Careers

About Us

As an early years educator, you’ll work with young children up to the age of 5 in a nursery, pre-school, wraparound or childminder setting. It’s a job that makes a difference by helping to give children the best start in life by supporting their development and being a core part of their early education – opening their minds to new ideas everyday.

Do something big. Work with small children.

For more information about a career in early years, or to search for job or apprenticeship opportunities, please visit our website: earlyyearscareers.campaign.gov.uk

What it’s like to work for us?

Working in early years is unique and rewarding. You can get so much out of working with small children. It’s a job with impact, where you get to be part of their early education and make a difference that lasts a lifetime.

You can be part of a team, lead a team, or be your own boss and become a childminder.

No matter what the day brings, you’ll feel joy in seeing children grow, learn and flourish.

The type of jobs we recruit for?

There are many different roles in early years and childcare. You can work in:

• Nurseries – Working with children from 3 months old to school age, in a role such as a nursery assistant, early years teacher, nursery manager, or special educational needs coordinator. No matter your role, you’ll be providing early education in a safe, fun, engaging environment and helping to support children with their learning and development. It’s a job that’s both rewarding and fun, where you build relationships, gain trust and make a real difference.

• Pre-schools - Just like in a nursery, working with pre-school children is so rewarding. You’ll generally work with young children aged 3 to 5 and get to see them learn and flourish, setting them up for the future. It’s also an opportunity to work term-time only and fit your job around your life. Roles include a pre-school assistant, early years teacher, pre-school manager, or a special educational needs coordinator.

• Your own home as a childminder - Be your own boss, work flexibly and help the children you care for thrive. Childminders offer professional home-away-from-home childcare. They look after small groups of children of different ages and work closely with parents and carers to provide bespoke care. Childminders are usually self-employed and run their own business, in their own home but they can also work from places such as nurseries, church halls, classrooms or other parts of a school.

• Breakfast and after school clubs – Looking after primary school aged children before and after school. These wraparound roles can offer flexibility and a chance to share your passion whether that’s sports, art or nature. You’ll usually work during term time and until 6pm or later, though there are also opportunities to work in the school holidays too.