Thinking about working with children? It can be a challenging job but also hugely varied, rewarding and fun so we think you've made a fantastic choice!
You will need a range of skills and qualities to support children's learning and development, most importantly you must:
- enjoy working with children
- have lots of enthusiasm and a sense of fun
- are patient and understanding
- have good communication skills
- want to learn new things and develop your knowledge
- want to develop your career by undertaking a qualification
Find out more and explore career options on
You can search and apply for jobs using our page. Or find out about the different areas you could work in below.
Become a registered childminder
Childminders care for babies, toddlers and children in their own home. They must be registered with Ofsted or with a childminder agency and provide childcare on domestic premises. They are able to include a maximum of 50 per cent of their time in approved non-domestic premises. Find out about the role of a and how to become a registered childminder in 中国P站.
Become an Early Years Educator
Early years educators and practitioners work with children from 0 to 5 years old in places like day nurseries, pre-schools, private nursery schools, maintained and independent schools. Job roles include everything from and to .
Become a playworker
Playworkers work with children from two to 16 years old in out of school or playwork settings, including breakfast clubs, after school clubs, mobile play buses, adventure playgrounds and holiday playschemes. Read a job profile to find out more.
Become a nanny or home-based child carer
Nannies and home child carers look after children whilst working in private homes caring for their employer's babies and young children. As a nanny, you can join the voluntary part of the Ofsted childcare register, here is
You will nearly always be employed by the family you work for rather than being self-employed. This means that the family you work for are your employer and must on your behalf. It also means that you have the right to certain benefits like paid holiday and sick pay.
Find out how early years and childcare professionals make a big difference to children. Visit the Department for Education’s page