Careers in early years and childcare

No 2 days are the same in a nursery working with small children. It’s a job that’s both rewarding and fun, where you build relationships, gain trust and make a real difference.

There are over 100 nurseries in Brighton & Hove, so there’s bound to be the right job out there for you.

What you’ll do working in a nursery

In a nursery, the work you do will vary depending on the:

• nursery's size and set-up
• ages and personalities of the children

Your role will be to:

• provide early education in a safe, fun, engaging environment
• support children with their learning and development

You may get to:

• work with young children across a range of ages
• focus on a specific age group such as babies
• work with children with additional needs

Working patterns

Different nurseries offer a variety of working patterns so you may be able to find one that’s right for you. Many nurseries open longer hours than schools to provide childcare for working parents and carers. This means some roles could involve shift work.

Just like in a nursery, working with preschool children is so rewarding. You get to see them learn and flourish and set them up for the future. It’s also an opportunity to work term-time only and fit your job around your life.

What you'll do working in a preschool or a nursery school

The work you do in a pre-school or maintained nursery school will vary depending on:

• the preschool or nursery's size and set up
• the ages and personalities of the children

Your role will be to:

• provide early education in a safe, fun, engaging environment
• support children with their learning and development, getting them ready for school

You’ll generally work with young children aged 3 to 5. You may also get to work with children with additional needs.

Working patterns

Different pre-schools and maintained nursery schools offer different working patterns so you may be able to find one that’s right for you. Many pre-schools and maintained nursery schools will mirror school opening hours. This may mean that term-time jobs are available. 

Wraparound roles in a before and after-school club offer flexibility and a chance to share your passion whether that’s sports, art or nature. There are plenty of opportunities.

What’s involved in working in a before or after-school club

Wraparound childcare involves looking after primary school aged children before and after school. For example, in:

• breakfast clubs
• regular after-school clubs

It can also refer to childcare and activities during the school holidays.

This usually means working:

• during term time from approximately 8am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm
• full days in the school holidays

Flexible hours could include working:

• part-time during term time only
• full-time work across the term time
• during the school holidays

Some providers offer subsidised or free wraparound childcare for the children of staff during their working hours.

Where you could work 

Wraparound childcare staff can work:

• in a variety of places, such as in school buildings or community facilities
• for a range of organisations, such as schools, charities or private businesses

What you’ll do

The work will vary but may include:

• planning and setting up play areas, making sure they're safe and secure
• leading games and supervising children while they're playing
• providing breakfast or a snack
• building trust and supporting children to feel settled and comfortable
• building positive relationships with parents and carers and with other professionals

Skills you may need

Wraparound childcare providers are looking for a wide range of people with different skills and experience. It’s also important to have a passion for working with children, so you can bring fun and enjoyment to the role.

People who might be suited to working in wraparound childcare include:

• playworkers
• people in nurseries, pre-schools, or other childcare roles
• teaching assistants
• school support staff
• sports coaches
• youth workers
• students
• parents, grandparents and other carers

Some people working in wraparound childcare may be volunteers. Childminders can also offer wraparound childcare.

Checks

Anyone working in these roles will need to pass enhanced DBS checks. You may also need to show experience of working with young children.

Qualifications

No specific qualifications are required, but some employers may want you to have a level 2 qualification (equivalent to a GCSE). When you start the job, you’ll also need to complete safeguarding training. 

Different roles you could do

Employers can advertise wraparound childcare jobs as:

• wraparound assistants
• playworkers
• sports coaches
• childcare workers

Learn more about registering as a childminder and how to apply for a £600 start-up grant on our becoming a registered childminder page.

Apprenticeships combine real work with training and study for a specific role. 

They're a great way to:

• learn new skills
• gain experience
• earn a salary

There are 2 entry-level early years apprenticeships:

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

If you want to qualify for a classroom-based course, you can get approved qualifications through a range of training providers. These include:

• level 2 courses (these are equivalent to GCSEs)
• level 3 courses (these are equivalent to A-Levels)
• the T Level in education and early years (this is broadly equivalent to 3 A-Levels)
• early years degrees

If you're applying for a role that requires a level 2 or level 3 qualification, you must check that your qualifications are:

• full and relevant
• approved by the Department for Education (DfE)

You can check with your training provider and use the early years qualifications checker to check if:

• a person’s qualifications allow them to work in an early years setting
• they can be included in staff-to-child ratios