Essex County Council’s recruitment campaign, ‘Make a change. Build a future.’, aims to boost the number of early years practitioners in the county’s preschools, nurseries and childminding settings.With a career in early years and childcare you can benefit from formal qualifications and career development opportunities while shaping the lives of young children. Learn more about the rewards of an exciting career in early years and childcare.
Watch a video of early years and childcare practitioners, sharing how they got into early years and childcare and why they love the sector.
What qualities are required for a career in early years?
You will need a range of skills and qualities to support children’s learning and development. Early years practitioners should:
- enjoy working with children
- have lots of enthusiasm
- be patient and understanding
- have good communication skills
- want to learn new things and develop your knowledge
- want to develop their career by undertaking a qualification
Step back into the early years career you love
If you’re a qualified Level 2 or Level 3 early years practitioner, it’s easier than you think to return to the career you love. You can benefit from development opportunities while shaping the lives of young children to help them achieve their potential. Return to an early years job you love.
Enjoy the flexibility and fulfilment of a career in childminding
If you’re looking for something more flexible, a career in childminding could be for you. Whether you’re interested in becoming a registered Ofsted childminder or registering with an agency, you can enjoy flexible working hours that fit around your circumstances.
New childminders may be eligible for a Department of Education (DfE) start-up grant. The one-off payment can help with the cost of setting up your new business. Find out more about the childminder start-up grants and the rewards of working as a childminder.