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Early Years Practitioner work with children from birth till the age of when they start primary school. They play a fundamental role in a child's development by helping them learn in a happy, fun and, more importantly, safe environment.
It is a hugely rewarding career, especially if you love spending time with kids. And if you are a patient and responsible individual with a caring nature, then this might be the ideal career path for you.
Typical Day-to-Day Activities
Being an Early Years Practitioner, you will be undertaking a number of responsibilities. And this will all depend on the age of the child (or children) you are looking after. Typical activities that you will be involved with are:- Arranging fun activities such as singing, dancing, arts & crafts and cooking (i.e. baking cookies).
- Helping children to learn how to count using a variety of games and activities.
- Reading stories to help develop children's language skills.
- Feeding and changing babies as and when required.
- Taking children on outings and being responsible for them.
- Ensuring national guidance on early years education is reflected in children's learning.
- Keeping children safe and well at all times.
- Taking notes about the children you're looking after for reports.
- Reporting any concerns to management (e.g. signs of abuse and neglect).
Working Hours and Environment
Early Years Practitioners mainly work inside a nursery building, which have been designed to ensure health and safety protocols have been met. Although, you will be required to supervise children during trips and outdoor activities. Most nurseries are open from 7am to 6pm and you would normally work eight-hour shifts between the opening times. Some nurseries are open during weekends, so weekend may be required. If you would like to work part-time, then this is widely available.Entry Requirements & Qualifications
There is no official entry route to becoming an Early Years Practitioner. But gaining experience and qualifications can give you an advantage when it comes to career advancement. The best way you can gain experience is through volunteering. Nurseries are always on the look out for extra help. And if you're willing to provide this support, it will be gratefully received by the nursery staff whilst you gain that all-important experience. So it is a win-win situation. If you do manage to secure work experience, whether that may be permanent, part-time or volunteering, then in order to be fully qualified, you need to have the Level 3 in Early Years Practitioner qualification. There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification but you will need to be age 16 and over. And in order for you to gain this qualification, you will also need to complete some work-based assignments. RELATED: Child care coursesSalary Expectations and Career Progression
Starting salary for Early Years Practitioner prior to gaining the Level 3 qualification is approximately £15,000 per annum. But some individuals choose to gain the Level 2 for the Children and Young People's Workforce prior to gaining the Level 3 qualification. The increase in salary and career progression depends on the level of qualification that you have gained:- Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce (Level 2): you could expect to earn an average of £15,000 Per Annum.
- Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator) (Level 3): you could become a team leader or senior staff member and could earn an average of £22,000 Per Annum.
- Diploma in Leadership for the Children and Young People's Workforce (Level 5): qualifies you to become a manager and manage a care facility for children and you could expect to earn an average of £33,000 rising to £50,000 Per Annum.
Career Pathways
Qualified Early Years Practitioners can find work in a number of childcare settings including:- Nurseries
- Pre Schools
- Children's Centre