To start a career in early years, you can pursue various training paths. Gaining experience through volunteering or babysitting can be helpful, especially when starting with no prior qualifications.  

Learning new skills and getting an approved qualification can help you to develop your knowledge and progress your career in early years and childcare. Take a look at the different ways to get started:

Volunteering

If you are thinking about a career working with children but are not able to commit to paid employment now, then volunteering in an early year’s setting might be for you.

Volunteering before starting a qualification

Early Years and Childcare Trainee

If you are thinking of working with children have little or no work experience, and feel you need some experience before beginning an apprenticeship, a traineeship can provide an opportunity to discover what working in early years entails. A Traineeship can enhance employability by supplying guidance, skills, and experience.

Early Years and Childcare Trainee

Get Qualified

To gain a qualification through a classroom-based course, you can get approved qualifications through a range of training providers to access;

Level 1 courses are usually offered at school and should be at least 14 years old to start this course. There are no specific entry requirements but colleges or training providers may have their own guidelines.

Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) is suitable to start for post 16 students and be access as a diploma or as an apprenticeship.

Level 3 courses (equivalent to A Levels). This qualification is suitable to start for post 16 student and be access as a diploma or as an apprenticeship.

T Levels courses (equivalent to 3 A Levels). This qualification is suitable for post-16 students looking to develop both knowledge and practical skills in the education and early years sector. This is a technical qualification which supports students on to a range of progression routes including employment, higher education and higher apprenticeships.

What is a T Level?

Training Providers (TO BE ADDED)

Early Years Apprenticeships

If you are thinking about a career working with children an Early Years apprenticeship is an excellent route to gaining an early years qualification. Combine real work with training and study for a specific role. You’ll learn new skills, gain experience and earn a salary too.

To find out more visit our dedicated Early Years Apprenticeships page.

Apprenticeship factsheet

Apprenticeships in Early Years

Returnerships

If you are thinking about returning to work after a career break or seeking a career change, accessing a Returnership working in an early year’s setting might be for you. Returnerships are a new government-initiated training route targeted at the over-50s, focusing on flexibility and previous experience to reduce training length, and provides a clear route back into work or your chosen career.

Returnerships leaflet

Already have a qualification!

If you already have a qualification that you think might allow you to work in early years it is important to check if it is an approved qualification.

DfE digital early years qualification checker:

You can use this service to:

• check if an early years qualification achieved in England is approved as full and relevant by the Department for Education (DfE)
• confirm if someone who holds this qualification can count in staff:child ratios at level 2, 3 or 6 in an early years setting in England

Click here to use the DfE digital service

Overseas qualifications

Find out how to check overseas qualifications to count in the ratios at level 3 with comparable GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above.

Please see the Ecctis Service Guidance document for overseas qualifications.

Job Application advice 

If you need help with applications, the National Careers Service has advice on: 

• how to write a CV
• how to write a cover letter
• completing application forms
• preparing for and attending interviews

You can also visit the Job Help website for more tips on applying for jobs and improving your CV.

You can view the latest job vacancies based on your interest and location with details of how to apply at the following locations:

Early Years Jobs | Early Years

Early Years jobs in Buckinghamshire | DWP Find a job

For further support or advice, please contact the Early Years Workforce Team:

Email - eycpd@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or Call 01296 387111 Option 2