The Early Years workforce is transforming...

There’s never been a better time to work in early years and childcare. It’s an expanding and dynamic sector with an increasing demand for staff at all levels. Early Years and Childcare is an important career, as those who work in it play an incredibly valuable role in shaping the lives of future generations. It is a career that you can be proud of.

There are lots of opportunities for everyone in Early Years and Childcare. Whether you want to work full time or part time as a supervisor or assistant. If you are interested in a more managerial job you may end up running your own nursery—being your own boss, taking responsibility for staff and budgets and building relationships with parents. Early Years and Childcare can also be a flexible career and fit around family life.

It is an enjoyable and rewarding career. Not only do you get to enjoy playing and having fun with children but you are also helping them to develop and learn. They will use some of the skills they learn with you for the rest of their lives.

More information about working in Early Years

Further information relating to the type of role you will be fulfilling, the attributes you will require and the experience and qualifications expected

• What can I do in Early Years and Childcare?
• Childminding
• Out of school care
• Private nurseries
• Pre-schools / Playgroups
• Teaching Assistants
• Working in a Children's Centre
• Graduate Leader Fund
• Applying for jobs: top tips
• Training, qualifications and salaries
• What next?

Finding Work

The Family Information Service can support you finding work in early years in a number of ways:

• Check out the latest vacancies—for the latest vacancies look at jobs section.
• Register your information—if you would like to register your interest in working with children then please complete our online recruitment form. This information will then, with your permission, be submitted to local settings as and when vacancies arise.
• Be proactive—the best person to help you find work in Early Years is yourself.  Think about what you would like to do and contact local childcare providers to see if they may take you on.
• Improve your application skills—if you have been out of the job market for some time and would like assistance with issues such as compiling a CV, writing a covering letter and application forms and interview skills, then please contact Karen Darley on 01904 554444 for further information on a free workshop.
• The Children's Workforce Development Council, York Children's Centres and Skills Active Playwork websites can provide more information