Where Can Childcare Take Me?

Working with children is a rewarding career – and there is more than one way to do it! Here we’ll take a look at the many different roles and career paths open to you if you work in childcare. We’ll also explore all the ways you can get started on your journey and where a career in childcare can take you.

The benefits of working with children 

If you’re reading this, you’re probably already sold on some of the best bits about a career in childcare: the fact that every day is different, or the feeling of fulfilment when a child in your care achieves a new milestone. In addition, working with children can be a fantastic boost for your career. So even if you’re not sure if it’s a role you want to do for life, working in childcare is a great way to show you have valuable transferable skills. Here’s why we think All About Children is the perfect place to start or continue your career in childcare!

What skills can you develop in a childcare career?

Working with children has a multitude of career benefits, helping you to develop skills for your CV that will help you throughout your professional life:

  • People skills – being an effective negotiator, diplomat and advocate, working with young children, their parents, and fellow childcare professionals
  • Team working – every day you will contribute to the overall success of the team, co-operating with others to get the job done
  • Flexibility and problem solving – if circumstances change, you’ll learn to think on your feet and change pace without skipping a beat!

Depending on your chosen career path, you’ll also have the opportunity to gain leadership skills, IT and report writing experience and more.

Do you need any specific qualifications to get into childcare?

Not everyone starts their career in childcare with a formal qualification. You can choose to gain experience in a childcare environment, through an apprenticeship or work experience scheme. 

Routes into childcare for those without qualifications:

Qualifications that can lead to a career in childcare:

  • Childcare qualifications gained in college after leaving school, such as NVQ Levels 2 and 3 courses in Early Years or Playwork
  • University-level qualifications such as a degree in Early Years and Childhood Studies

If you have any further questions about the qualifications you may need, contact us to find out more. Our friendly and experienced recruitment team will be able to advise you on 01604 265458 or recruitment@allaboutchildren.co.uk. 

What are the roles and responsibilities in childcare?

There are many different jobs in childcare. Here are some examples of where a career in childcare can take you:

Nursery and early years roles

  • Nursery Assistant – this is an entry-level role where you would work alongside qualified practitioners, gaining experience in a childcare setting. 
  • Nursery Nurse or Nursery Practitioner – Nursery Practitioners are responsible for taking care of children’s day-to-day needs: ensuring that they are fed, changed and safe; providing stimulating activities; handling paperwork related to their care and liaising effectively with parents.

Managerial and leadership roles

  • Room Leader – as Room Leader, you would supervise your team and take responsibility for the room you are in charge of.
  • Deputy Manager – a Deputy Nursery Manager deputises for the Nursery Manager and follows good practice guidelines in the running of the nursery.
  • Nursery Manager – the Nursery Manager is responsible for the overall management of the nursery, including everything from budgeting to recruitment to legal compliance.

Outside of the nursery environment, experience in a childcare setting can lead to exciting and stimulating careers in social work, teaching, nursing and more. The world is your oyster!

Get in touch

Looking for a career in childcare, or want to take your next steps on your career journey? Check out the latest vacancies in our nurseries or contact us with your CV to find out more. 

Send us Your CV

What Our Staff Say

My name is Carla and I’m the room leader in Preschool. I go to work knowing that my knowledge, experience and passion is appreciated, I have a fantastic management team who listen, support and encourage me to be the best I can be. Working with a great team to deliver the best care for every child in our room. I love my role and feel like I make a difference.

Carla – Room Leader

I have been working for the nursery for nearly 3 years as the manager. I have loved watching the staff and children develop. We get a lot of support from other nurseries and our senior management team. There is a variety of career progression not just for the staff but for the management team also.

Amy – Nursery Manager

Silchester Manor has given me a platform to not only work and learn but also make a difference in children’s development and growth. The nursery has a great team to coordinate and work with, which brings a great difference in morale. In all, a great setting to work with and be in!

Rusha Chatterjee – Bank Staff

Silchester Manor is a great nursery to work with. I used to come through Agency and recently I have permanently joined the team. All the staff members are very supportive and friendly. This nursery has given be a great place to work and learn about childcare. I am very pleased to be a part of this team.

Anila Mushtaq Bhatti – Bank Staff

I have been working at Silchester Manor Nursery as bank staff for nearly four years. I enjoy the friendly atmosphere and relationship with children and their parents. I have seen babies progressing to the preschool and have enjoyed this journey with them. It is a nice place to work and I especially enjoy the lovely garden.

Alison Wakefield – Bank Staff

I feel happy and motivated working at Silchester Manor. The Nursery environment is positive and cheerful. My co-workers are very helpful and understanding. I am provided with training and guidance from my seniors. Thankful to get opportunity to work at this nursery.

Palwinder Kaur – Lunch Cover

Silchester Manor is a great place to work. I have been here almost a year and have learnt so much. I enjoy coming into work every day and spending time with the children and staff. It has given me a passion to better myself in this area and hopefully start level 3 in childcare.

Sophie Baird – Lunch Cover

I find it hard to believe that I joined as an apprentice and now I’m a room leader.

Sydney – The Little People, Room Leader

I started off at college and quickly realized I wanted to explore more of the practical day to day side of childcare, so I opted for an apprenticeship. I started and have never looked back. I found the course very informative and it gave me exactly what I wanted which was to work with children.

Katie – The Little People, Apprentice, now Practitioner

I am so glad I undertook the apprenticeship; it has really given me an opportunity to have hands on experiences, learn about every aspect of childcare and has given me a way to put my knowledge that I’m learning into practice. I have a wonderful support network at The Little People.

Elsa – The Little People, Apprentice

I love working here, the team are wonderful role models and I really enjoy my day to day duties.

Katie – The Little People, Apprentice

I have been with Daybreak for almost 9 years, and I have learnt a great deal about the children’s development and I have been inspired so much from my current management team to work up to the position of Room Leader. Since All About Children have taken over, they have continued to support me with my progression and influenced me with their passion and enthusiasm.

Sarah Brend – Senior/Room Leader

I recently completed my level 2 in Childcare and I always wanted to train for my level 3. All About Children provided me with the opportunity to complete this training within the support of my team at Amersham Chiltern Avenue as well as support from my Area Maut Children.

Katie Cyster – Trainee Level 3

I knew I wanted to work in childcare and heard about apprenticeships, I wasn’t sure where to apply so put out a post on Facebook which Emma the Deputy responded to, she asked me to send in my CV which I did. Emma and the Manager interviewed me and gave me the opportunity to work as a temporary staff member to see if this was something I wanted to do. From the moment I started I knew this was a career I wanted to pursue. Since starting my apprenticeship here at Park Road I have grown in confidence and developed my knowledge through experience, guidance and support from all the team.

Connor – Apprentice Park Road

I was working at an After School Club and wanted to further my career so I applied at Park Road and was given the opportunity to gain a qualification in childcare whilst working as a Nursery Assistant. During this time I have developed my skills, I have learnt how to be a key carer, carry out observations, plan to meet the children's next steps and develop my knowledge of the EYFS and the Curiosity Approach. This isn't just a job I feel valued and part of a team.

Katie – Apprentice Park Road