What are the different roles in the sector?

There are lots of different roles working in early education and childcare.

• Childminder: Childminders provide care and educate babies, toddlers and children in their own home, supporting their learning and development.

• Early Years Educator: Early years educators help babies and children up to 5 years old to develop and learn in a safe and supportive setting. You may work in a private nursery, a pre-school or a school based nursery.

• Special Educational Needs (SEN) teaching assistant: Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistants support nursery teachers to help children with special educational needs and disabilities.

• Special Educations Needs Coordinator (SENCO): Special educational needs coordinators work in early years settings to coordinate provision and support for children with special educational needs.

• Early Years Apprentice: Early Years Apprentices work in an early years setting under supervision, supporting the planning and delivery of education for 0–5-year-olds.

• Nursery Teacher: Nursery teachers are specialists in early childhood development and work with children up to the age of 5.They are also responsible for planning and delivering learning activities in a safe and supportive environment.