Early years practitioner
Career outlook for
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
Currently employed in Scotland
Jobs forecast
This information is supplied by LMI For All, where data is currently available for Scotland.
What's it like?
You would work with babies and young children from birth until primary school age, helping them to learn in a safe, happy environment.
You would:
- Plan and run activities like arts and crafts, music and cooking
- Use activities and games to help children learn to count
- Read stories and do activities to develop the children’s language skills
- Take children on outings
- Feed and change babies
- Make notes about the children for use in reports
- Make sure that the national guidance on early years education is reflected in the children’s learning
- Keep the children safe and well at all times
- Report any worries to your manager, such as signs of abuse
You may have to act as a key worker for one or more children. This means checking on their progress and keeping their parents and/or carers updated.
You might like to specialise in working with children with physical disabilities, learning difficulties or mental health issues.
You would work in local authority childcare settings or privately owned nurseries.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
Part-time
Self employed
Create a qualification route
We’ve found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Positive attitude
- Developing a plan
- Listening
- Verbal communication
- Cooperating
- Supporting
- Mediating
- Building relationships
- Observation
- Creative
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Foundation Apprenticeships
Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.
Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Qualifications
You would need an NC in Early Education and Childcare (SCQF Level 6) or an HNC in Childhood Practice (SCQF Level 7), depending on your level of responsibility.
The entry requirements for an HNC in Childhood Practice are two highers including English.
You can also gain your qualification on the job. This would include an SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) (SCQF Level 6 or 7).
A Modern Apprenticeship is also available at SCQF level 7.
Useful subjects
- English (required by most courses and employers)
- Maths
- Care
- Childcare & development
- Health & food technologies
You will also need
You would be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
You might need to be at least 17 years old to start some college courses.
Helpful to have
Qualifications and experience that show childcare abilities such as Skills for Work Early Education and Childcare (SCQF level 4/5).
Once qualified you may wish to gain further Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or Professional Development Awards (SCQF level 7/8/9) qualification in Childhood Practice.
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