The Benefits of Becoming A Childcare Worker

Working in the childcare sector is a dream career for anyone who loves spending time with children. If you're considering a career in the childcare sector, this article will definitely make you want to work in the childcare sector. And it will also show you the necessary steps that you can take to pursue a career in this sector. This articles aims to share the 4 benefits of working in the childcare sector. And here they are:

1. There Is A Demand For A Childcare Worker

According to a report published in 2016 called 'Understanding the childcare provider market: implications for educational suppliers' by the Family and Childcare Trust. The reports states that in the UK, there are an estimated 59,000 childminders, 15,000 out-of-school childcare providers, 9,600 pre-schools and 23,500 day nurseries. These numbers are expected to rise with spending predicted to reach £7.5 billion by the end of this year (2017). The report emphasises on how the childcare sector continues to be high on the political agenda. And the demand for more investment  is at a record high. This tells us that there will be a demand for a childcare worker in the forthcoming future.

2. Work-Life Balance

Most childcare workers work during Monday to Friday between roughly 8am to around 4 or 5pm. Basically, during the times when most parents are at work. Most childcare workers don't have to work shifts or work weekends. There are some nurseries that do operate on the weekends, but it is actually quite rare to find. With most professional working longer hours and having to do weekend work, the childcare sector has the right work-life balance. Childcare workers typically come back home during weeknights and be able to have dinner with their families. And they also take part in weekend activities as well.

3. Salary Trends

There is a common notion about the salary a childcare workers earns. Many believe a childcare worker's salary is quite low compared to other occupations. This is completely false. You can work your way your up in the childcare sector. And your career progression will occur more rapidly if you're willing to complete the necessary qualifications. The higher the level of qualification you hold, the higher your salary. See below:

• Level 2 Diploma - Starting salary is £15,000 per annum. Holding a Level 2 diploma will allow you to hold either an entry level position or the level above.
• Level 3 Diploma - Holders of this diploma are expected to become an experienced member of staff or a team leader. The expected salary starts from £22,000 per annum.
• Level 5 Diploma - On achieving this diploma, holders can go on to become a manager. Starting salaries for this position can range from £33,000 to £55,000.

4. Career Growth

Besides seeing an increase in your salary as you progress in your career, there are many career paths that you can take. You're not stuck in a linear career progression. You can try and explore different career paths to learn new skills and see if a particular role suits you. The list below shows you the number of roles that are available in the childcare sector by childcare setting:

• Nursery
  • Nursery assistant
  • Nursery nurse/supervisor
• Pre-school
  • Pre-school assistant
  • Pre-school supervisor
• Childminding
  • Childminder
• Playworker
  • Assistant playworker
  • Senior playworker
• Children's Centre
  • Children's centre assistant
  • Children's centre manager
  • Family Support Worker

As you can see from above, there are many roles in the childcare sector. And each role has room for progression to the next level. During the beginning of your career, it may be best to explore each of the childcare settings. Some childcare settings may be best suited for you, others may not. So it is crucial to do this early on.

How Can The Learning Station Help You?

The Learning Station can help you take your first step in the childcare sector by helping you get the necessary qualifications. All our qualifications are taught via online distance learning. So you can study at your own time, and at your own pace. Our courses are fully accredited so you will receive a nationally recognised qualification at the end of our course. For more information, please visit our courses page. Thanks for reading! Can you think of any other benefit? Let us know in the comments sector below. Featured image: Pexels