Working in childcare

Early Years practitioners look after young children in registered early years settings and schools. These include:

• day nurseries
• pre-schools
• family centres
• independent schools
• schools with nurseries and/or reception classes
• wraparound childcare provision

If you are passionate about providing the best outcomes for children, this could be the ideal career choice for you. Find out more about why choose a career in this sector on the NCFE website

What our children need from you:

• a knowledge and understanding of how they learn and develop
• a commitment to providing the highest quality care that meets their needs
• a passion for providing them with nurturing and inspirational environments
• the ability to support their individual growth and development
• a commitment to professional development by attending on-going training and by working together with the Family, Early Years and Childcare Service at Southend City Council.
• a commitment to working in partnership with their families and other professional agencies
• to become a crucial part of the childcare community in Southend

What you will need to become an Early Years practitioner:

• full and recognised level 2 or above childcare qualification
• enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Completed with a college or employer
• Safeguarding training relevant to the role which needs to be renewed every 2 years
• once qualified, a Full Paediatric First Aid must be completed and renewed every 3 years. This needs to be within 3 months of starting work. This will enable you to be included in staff:child ratios

More information can be found on the following:

• Education Inspection Framework
• Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework for group and school-based providers

I am interested in working in childcare, what do I do next?

• find out more about training and qualifications on the government website. The governement offer free Early years child development training
• if you already have a qualification, you can check an early years qualification to see if your UK qualifications meet the Department for Education (DfE) criteria for inclusion in the early years foundation stage statutory framework staff: child ratios on the government website
• you can find local training opportunities and early years job vacancies on the Southend Learning Network

Wraparound Childcare Provision

Wraparound childcare is looking after primary school aged children before and after school. For example, in breakfast clubs and regular after-school clubs. This usually means during term time and usually until 6pm or later. It can also refer to childcare and activities in the school holidays.

Wraparound childcare employers often offer flexible hours ranging from

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

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

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

The work will vary but may include:

• planning and setting up play areas, making sure they are safe and secure
• leading games and supervising children while they are playing
• providing breakfast or a snack
• building trusting relationships when 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 that staff have a passion for working with children, so they 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.

Anyone working in these roles will need to pass enhanced DBS checks. You may also need to show that you have experience working with young children. No specific qualifications are required, but some employers may want you to have a level 2 qualification (equivalent to a GCSE). You’ll also need to complete safeguarding training when you start the job.

Be part of something big work in early years and childcare.