Career Pathways:
Childcare
A career in childcare is a rewarding way to make a difference in children’s lives. With clear pathways, you can grow from entry-level roles to leadership positions through hands-on experience and recognised qualifications.
Level 1 Childcare Student
As well as starting you on a new career path the Level 1 Student position is a fun, interactive and practical way of learning. By undertaking a level 1 qualification you will gain valuable work experience, mentor, and tutor support on a 1:1 or group basis.
Take a look at Lauren’s story here and find out how a level 1 qualification helped her to become a Room Manager.
Qualifications & Experience
- Required:
- Working towards Level 1 Childcare Certificate
- Progression Opportunities:
- Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeship upon completion
Unqualified Childcare Apprentice
Working as a team with colleagues in a nursery setting to provide a high standard of childcare by undertaking various duties around the nursery, whilst studying towards your Level 2 Childcare qualification.
A keenness to progress with Early Years/Childcare Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
- Required:
- Working towards Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeship
- Paediatric First Aid Certificate (or willingness to complete upon appointment, renewable 3 yearly)
- Level 3 Childcare Apprenticeship upon completion
- Progression Opportunities:
- Level 3 Childcare Apprenticeship upon completion
Level 2 Practitioner/Nursery Assistant
Contribute to the development and execution of activities within the nurseries, providing support to colleagues where necessary and providing a safe, nurturing environment for all children.
A keenness to progress with Early Years/Childcare Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
- Required:
- Level 2 Childcare Diploma
- Post-Qualifying experience with children ages 0 to 5 years old
- Paediatric First Aid
Certificate (or willingness to complete upon appointment, renewable 3 yearly)
- Progression Possibilities:
- Level 3 Childcare Apprenticeship
- Level 2 Early Years Customer Service Apprenticeship
Level 3 Practitioner
You will be responsible for delivering the Early Years Framework, ensuring the individual needs of the children in the nursery setting are met through various plans and activities, whilst providing support to staff within the setting.
A keenness to progress with Early Years/Childcare Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
- Required:
- Level 3 Early Years Educator Childcare Diploma
- Post-Qualifying Experience with children ages 0 to 5 years old
- Paediatric First Aid Certificate (or willingness to complete upon appointment, renewable 3 yearly)
- Progression Opportunities:
- Level 3 Early Years Team Leader Supervisor Apprenticeship
- Level 3 Customer Service Apprenticeship
Senior Practitioner
Exercising enhanced responsibilities and levels of practice within the nursery. You will support the Room Manager with various tasks, whilst also ensuring staff within the room are trained and mentored effectively, acting as a role model to colleagues.
A keenness to progress with Early Years/Childcare Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
- Required:
- Level 3 Early Years Educator Childcare Diploma
- 2 + years’ experience with children ages 0 to 5 years old
- Experience acting as a ‘Key Worker’ to a group of children
- Paediatric First Aid Certificate (or willingness to complete upon appointment, renewable 3 yearly)
- Experience mentoring and supporting team members, alongside senior management
- Willing to work towards Level 3 Early Years Team Leader Apprenticeship or Level 2 Early Years Customer Service Apprenticeship
- Progression Opportunities:
- Level 3 Customer Service Apprenticeship
- Level 3 Early Years Team Leader Apprenticeship
- Level 5 Childcare/Early Years Diploma – Advanced Practitioner
- Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
Room Manager
You will manage the day-to-day running of a specific room within a nursery, leading and motivating the team and providing a positive environment for the children.
A keenness to progress with Early Years/Childcare Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
- Required:
- Level 3 Early Years Educator Childcare Diploma
- 3 + years’ experience with children ages 0 to 5 years old
- Previous experience of managing a nursery unit
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Paediatric First Aid Certificate (or willingness to complete upon appointment, renewable 3 yearly)
- Strong leadership skills, to inspire both children and colleagues
- Willing to work towards Level 3
- Early Years Team Leader
- Apprenticeship or Level 2 EarlyYears Customer Service Apprenticeship
- Progression Opportunities:
- Level 3 Customer Service Apprenticeship
- Level 3 Early Years Team Leader Apprenticeship
- Level 5 Childcare/Early Years Diploma – Advanced Practitioner
- Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
Deputy Manager
Your role will be assisting and supporting the manager with the running of the nursery and will be responsible for providing leadership and management to nursery staff in the absence of the Nursery Manager.
A keenness to progress with Early Years/Childcare Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
- Required:
- Level 3 Early Years Educator Childcare Diploma
- Strong experience managing and mentoring colleagues within a similar environment;
- Paediatric First Aid Certificate (or willingness to complete upon appointment, renewable 3 yearly)
- Strong leadership skills, to inspire both children and colleagues
- Health & Safety Certificate
- Willingness to work towards Level 5 Childcare/Early Years Diploma – Advanced Practitioner
- Willingness to work towards Level 3 Management Diploma
- Progression Opportunities/Requirements:
- Level 3 Customer Service Apprenticeship
- Level 3 Early Years Team Leader Apprenticeship
- Level 5 Childcare/Early Years Diploma – Advanced Practitioner
- Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
Nursery Manager
You will lead and manage a team of Childcare practitioners and apprentices to deliver high quality, flexible childcare for parents within the local community and strive to achieve ‘Outstanding’ at Ofsted Inspections.
A keenness to progress with Early Years/Childcare Qualifications and Management Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
- Required:
- Level 3 Early Years Educator Childcare Diploma
- Previous experience managing a nursery setting, or strong experience as a Deputy Manager within a similar environment
- Paediatric First Aid Certificate (or willingness to complete upon appointment, renewable 3 yearly)
- Health & Safety Certificate
- Progression Opportunities / Requirements:
- Level 3 Customer Service Apprenticeship
- Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
- Level 5 Childcare/Early Years Diploma – Advanced Practitioner
- Level 5 Early years Operations Manager