Why Early Years work matters
Early years settings give babies and young children a safe and nurturing place to learn, play and grow. Through everyday care and play, staff support children’s early development, helping them build confidence, communication and social skills. This work supports Best Start in Life, bringing services together to help children thrive from birth to age five and giving staff the chance to make a real difference every day.
Where you could work
You can work in lots of different early years settings that care for children from birth to age five, including:
- Nurseries
- Preschools
- School-based nurseries
- Childminding settings
These may be:
- Privately run
- Managed by a school
- Run by charities
- Led by individual childminders
Some settings have school time hours, which may suit people looking for part time or flexible work. Others are open all day or all year to support working families.
There is a setting to match your style – busy nurseries, smaller preschools, or working closely with a childminder.
What you would be doing
Your day may include:
- Providing early education in a safe, fun setting
- Supporting play-based activities to help children learn and develop
- Helping with crafts, cooking, music and creative play
- Observing, recording and planning for children’s progress
- Feeding, changing and caring for babies and toddlers
- Preparing learning spaces with engaging resources and displays
Roles in Early Years settings
There are many roles you can explore:
Nursery Assistant, Childminder Assistant, Unqualified Practitioner
- Support play and care
- Supervise children
- No formal qualifications required (Level 2 preferred)
- Apprenticeships may be available
Nursery Practitioner
- Plan and deliver learning activities
- Support children’s development
- Usually needs a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification
Room Leader or Senior Team Member
- Lead a specific age group
- Guide staff
- Plan learning and play
- Needs Level 3 qualification and English Level 2
Early Years Teacher
- Lead learning for ages 0 to 5
- Plan and teach educational programmes
- Requires teacher training
Nursery Manager
- Run the whole setting
- Manage staff and safety
- Usually needs Level 3 and experience
SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
- Support children with additional needs
- Guide staff
- Work with families
- Training often provided
Safeguarding Lead
- Main contact for child protection concerns
- Ensures safety policies are followed
- Needs Level 3, safeguarding training and experience
Administrator
- Handle admissions, registers, funding claims and office tasks
- May need admin or finance experience
- Training is often available
Apprenticeship Pathways
Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn.
Level 2 – Early Years Practitioner
- Great for new starters
- Learn through hands-on experience
Level 3 – Early Years Educator
- Plan and lead activities
- More responsibility within the setting
Level 6 – Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (from 2026)
- Work while training to become an Early Years Teacher
- Requires Level 3 qualification + GCSEs
Benefits of choosing this career
- A range of working patterns may be available, including term-time only, school hours, year-round provision or longer shifts.
- Opportunities to work in a variety of settings with children aged 0 to 5
- A chance to support children’s development through play, care and creativity
- Pathways to progress into teaching, leadership or specialist roles
- Bring your own interests, such as storytelling, music or outdoor play, into your work
- Some settings may offer term-time roles or support with childcare for your own children
Get started in your job search
If you are interested in working in early years childcare, there are a few ways to get started.
- Search Jobs in Somerset
- Visit Do something big – Early Years careers (GOV.UK)
- Search online job boards via search engines
- Look on social media where nurseries and preschools may advertise vacancies
- Speak directly to local nurseries, pre-schools or childminders
- Check with training providers or colleges offering early years apprenticeships