What qualification, skills and qualities do I need?
Empathy, patience, creativity, communication, responsibility are just a few of the skills you will need for a career in early education and childcare. Most importantly you need to have a passion to work with children to build a better future for them.
- You can be employed in a nursery without a qualification but must be able to pass an enhanced DBS Check.
- The type of qualifications you need will depend on the type of role you want to apply for.
- Most employers will look for a level 3 qualification, as this allows you to count in staff:child ratios.
- Various roles can also be obtained with a level 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 full and relevant Early Years Qualification.
It’s important your qualification is recognised as ‘full and relevant’ to work in an early years settings by the Department of Education (DfE). The early years qualifications achieved in the United Kingdom guidance details the list of qualifications gained in the United Kingdom that are all full and relevant and accepted by DfE to work in an early years setting.
Skills Bootcamp for new careers in early years
The Department for Education has invested in a Skills Bootcamp for residents in GM who are new to working in the sector and would like to gain experience and develop their skills before completing an apprenticeship.
The bootcamp offers a guaranteed interview for a paid role within a local nursery and prepares you to begin your Level 3 Apprenticeship. This course is for people interested in joining the workforce who hold little or no experience. It runs for 6 weeks with online sessions, you will also receive first aid training and a free DBS check.
Click on the links below for further information about working in the sector.
Do something big - Early Years Careers (external website)
DWP Training and Qualification Site (External Website)
Skills Bootcamps for new careers in early years - Realise (External Website)