An Early Years Educator works with young children, usually from birth to five years old, supporting their learning, development, and well-being. The role involves planning and delivering activities that help children develop key skills such as speaking, listening, and social interaction. Early Years Educators observe and record children's progress, work closely with parents and carers, and ensure a safe and nurturing environment. The job is both rewarding and demanding, requiring patience, creativity, and a genuine passion for working with children. Early Years Educators are found in a variety of settings, including nurseries, pre-schools, and reception classes in primary schools.
Early Years Educators in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £25,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are around 350,000 people employed in early years and childcare roles across the UK, with ongoing demand for qualified educators.
To work as a qualified Early Years Educator, you usually need a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, which can be gained through college courses or apprenticeships.
Oversees the daily running of a specific room within a nursery, planning activities and supervising staff to ensure a safe and stimulating environment for young children.
Leads outdoor learning sessions for young children, encouraging exploration and development through nature-based activities and play.
Provides tailored support to young children with special educational needs or disabilities within early years settings, helping them to participate fully in activities.
Obtain GCSEs, including English and Maths, as these are usually required for further study in childcare.
Most colleges and employers expect at least grade 4 or C in English and Maths. If you do not have these, you may need to retake them alongside your childcare studies.
Enrol on a recognised course, such as a Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care.
Level 2 allows you to work as an assistant, while Level 3 qualifies you to be a fully qualified Early Years Educator. These courses may be completed at college or through an apprenticeship scheme.
Get hands-on experience working with children in an early years setting.
Most college courses include a placement in a nursery or preschool. Apprenticeships combine work with study and are a great way to earn while you learn.
Practise communication, observation, and teamwork skills while working with children and colleagues.
Employers value soft skills such as patience, creativity, and the ability to communicate clearly with both children and adults. Volunteering or part-time work in childcare can help you develop these skills.
Apply for jobs in nurseries, preschools, or other early years settings.
Look for vacancies on job boards, local authority websites, or by contacting nurseries directly. Be prepared to provide references and undergo a DBS check.
Take part in further training and qualifications to advance your career.
You might choose to specialise in areas like special educational needs or progress to supervisory roles. Attending workshops and courses will help you stay up to date with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
Oversees the day-to-day running of a nursery, manages staff, and ensures high standards of care and education for children.
Teaches and supports children aged 5 to 11 in primary schools, planning lessons and assessing student progress.
Works alongside teachers in schools to support the learning and development of children, often providing extra help to those who need it.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Early Years Educator. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
An Early Years Educator and a Nursery worker both focus on providing early childhood education and care, often working with young children from birth to five years old. They typically require similar foundational qualifications centred around early years development and nurturing, making their roles closely aligned in terms of qualifications and responsibilities.
You can get into this job through:
You can take a college course before looking for work in a nursery.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
You could apply to do an Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, or an Early Years Educator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
These take between 1 and 2 years to complete and combine training on the job and time spent with a learning provider.
Find out more about early years apprenticeships.
You'll usually need:
You can work as a nursery assistant and learn on the job. You'll usually need GCSEs in maths and English to start. Your employer may offer you the opportunity to do formal training like an apprenticeship, as your skills develop.
You can get experience by volunteering at a local nursery group or after school club. This may lead into paid work, where you could do training on the job.
You can apply directly for jobs in a nursery if you've got experience of working with young children and a qualification in childcare.
A paediatric first aid certificate will be useful but is not essential.
You can find out more about working in childcare from Early Years Careers and the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY).
You can contact Early Years Careers by phone or email to get answers to questions about starting a career in early years education.
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