Your Next Step
Browse these profiles of early years practitioners at different stages in their careers. Think about what kind of training or learning you would like, find the profile that most closely reflects your situation and explore what options are open to you. The next step in your early years career starts here!
School leaver, 16, wanting apprenticeship
Jo wants to work with young children and would like to earn while training. She knows there are lots of early years settings you can work in while training but needs helps finding out what to do next.
Hi I’m Jo. I have heard a lot about apprenticeships but I’m not sure how to apply. I’m leaving school and want to work with young children and I’m looking at how I can train and gain an early years award. All I know about apprenticeships is that you can earn money while working. I know if you didn’t get a C or more in GCSE Maths and English you can study and take some Functional Skills in these subjects.
Search for apprenticeships in your area via the government’s apprenticeship website. Once you’ve set up an account, you can apply for your chosen apprenticeship roles.
Just completed Level 2 apprenticeship
Natalie has finished her apprenticeship and is continuing her career in early years.
Hi. I’m Natalie. I’ve just turned 17 and have worked at a nursery as an apprentice since I left school and I love it.
My nursery supported me to study for my Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce qualification. Getting a grasp of the theories of child development has really helped me in the toddler room. I’m also able to take the Functional Skills maths and ICT qualifications. My training lasts for 12 months and then I’ll look for the next step in my career.
Try these searches:
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) Or Advanced Apprenticeship for the Children and Young Peoples Workforce
The Mature Student
As Marie approaches early retirement she never thought she would return to working with children. However, she recently discovered a renewed love of learning and realised that working with young children is something she’d like to do again.
Hi, I’m Marie. I thought at age 55 I would want early retirement, but I really want to keep busy. I got a job as an early years assistant at my local pre-school.
In the last 12 months I’ve been on several workshops and conferences and instead of wanting to slow down, I want to learn more.
Try these searches:
Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years Education and Care Or Intermediate Apprenticeship for Children & Young Peoples Workforce
Completed Level 2
Dan was surprised at how different working in a nursery is to other jobs he has done but he really loves going to work.
Hello my name is Dan. I have just finished my Level 2 qualification in childcare. If you had told me when I left school I would be working in a nursery I would have laughed.
Every day in the nursery is special. The children are great and it is amazing to see them develop. It’s hard work but I go to work with a smile on my face. I plan to get my Level 3 and do some management training. I might want to run a nursery at some point.
Try these searches:
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) Or Advanced Apprenticeship for the Children and Young Peoples Workforce
Management qualification such as ILM Level 3 Principles of Leadership and Management
Completed Level 3
Isabel discovered she could apply for an Advanced Learning Loan to help pay her Level 3 course fees. Distance learning was the best way to study while working and looking after her child.
I’m Isabel and I’m a single mum. I’ve just completed my Level 3 Diploma and am now a qualified Early Years Educator.
I’m 35 and because of my age and my chosen course I was able to apply for an Advanced Learning Loan. This helped me pay for my course fees.
The distance learning was the best option for me because I could organise my studying around my job and my family. Now I want to continue my professional development.
Try these searches:
Early years teacher
Emily already had a teaching qualification and trained to become a manager of an early years setting. She now has a greater understanding of what is involved when being a member of the leadership team.
I’m Emily and I’m 28. Having achieved a PGCE and taught children in Key Stage 1 I found I had more of an interest in the Early Years Foundation Stage. I found employment in a local nursery and studied part-time for my Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).
I now work in a school that has a nursery. Since gaining my EYTS, I manage eight people. I’m keen to advance my ICT skills as I’m now timetabling staff and managing budgets.
Try these searches:
ILM Level 3 Principles of Leadership and Management
Volunteer
Working as a volunteer is a great introduction to working with young children and their families. Barbara found the right course that enabled her to begin her career in the early years.
Hi I’m Barbara and a mum to three grown-up children. I’ve been volunteering at the local nursery for the last six months and have enjoyed helping out as and when I can. Although I have been unable to commit to regular hours the nursery has welcomed me.
I’d like to volunteer there regularly and would consider undertaking some childcare training. I’m keen to share my experience and feel ready to learn more about early years.
Try these searches:
Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years Education and Care
Parent
When Fatima became a parent she was interested in how young children learn and how she could help them. She recognised that by training she could apply what she had learned to her own children.
I’m Fatima and my three-year-old twins recently started at the local pre-school. I had some spare time so I joined the pre-school parent rota, playing with the children and helping with admin and housekeeping.
Before my twins, I worked as a receptionist with a qualification in business administration. I’m keen to retrain and undertake childcare qualifications to enhance my parenting skills and offer me a new career in early years when my children start school.
Try these searches:
Level 1 Award in Caring for Children Or Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years Education and Care Or Intermediate Apprenticeship for Children & Young Peoples Workforce
Becoming a deputy manager
Alexis was keen to acquire qualifications to be a member of the management team. An experienced practitioner, she wanted to pursue her career while helping her colleagues.
I’m Alexis and I’m 24. I did my Level 3 training at college and then started working in a nursery as an early years practitioner.
I love working in a team and particularly enjoy helping staff less experienced than me.
When our deputy manager went on maternity leave I was able to ‘act up’ to her role for 12 months and it has given me a real insight into management.
Try these searches:
Management qualifications such as ILM Level 3 Principles of Leadership and Management
Becoming a childminder
Becoming a childminder was an easy decision for Pete because his wife is already a registered childminder. He found the right course so he can register to support the children in his care.
Hi, I’m Pete. I’ve been thinking for some time I’d like to work as a registered childminder. My wife already has an early years qualification and begun the registration process with Ofsted.
I am about to start my introduction to childminding course and last week we both completed paediatric first aid training. It won’t be long now before we’re both registered and ready to go.
Try these searches:
CPD – Safeguarding, Prevent, SEND
Full Level 2 or 3 childcare
