What are the early years?

The early years are the time between 3-5 years. Early years childcare and education is concerned with children’s physical, emotional, social and educational development. Childcare workers help to provide support, security and a stable environment for children in a variety of settings.

If you are interested in early years, childcare and education you have to have a minimum of a level 2 qualification. There are no formal entry requirements for entry onto these courses.

• The CACHE level 2 Certificate in Childcare and Education is a one-year course that includes both classroom study and placement.

• The CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education is a two-year course and like the certificate course, includes academic study and work placement.

• BTEC First and National Diplomas in Early Years is also available at some colleges. Like the CACHE courses they combine classroom study with placements.

For more details about CACHE qualifications click here 

Roles in Early Years education

Nannies	care for children in the home of the child. Recommended qualifications: CACHE Diploma in Child Care and Education or NVQ in Early Years Care and Education.
Registered childminders	are childcarers who work in their own homes to provide care and learning opportunities for other people’s children. Childminders are often flexible around the hours they work and can offer an individualised and family friendly service.
Nursery assistants	are involved with caring for babies, toddlers, pre-school children and out-of-school care. Recommended qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Early Years Care and Education or CACHE Certificate in Child Care and Education.
Nursery nurses	may work in childcare centres unsupervised or support the teacher within the classroom or nursery. Required qualifications: CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education or NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education.
Play assistants	help the play leader. Recommended qualifications: CACHE Certificate in Pre-school Practice or NVQ Level 2 in Early Years Care and Education.
Classroom assistants	help the teacher in the classroom. Recommended qualifications: CACHE Certificate for Teaching Assistants 2/3 or NVQ Teaching Assistants 2/3.
Playworkers	look after children aged 4-16 in breakfast clubs, after-school clubs or holiday play schemes. Recommended qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Playwork or CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Playwork.
Playleaders	provide unsupervised out-of-school care. Recommended qualifications: CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Playwork or NVQ Level 3 in Playwork.

For information on salaries in early years education click here.

For further information on the various roles in early years education check out these other sites:

Learn Direct
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles/category27/

Prospects
http://www.prospects.ac.uk

Playworkers
http://www.playworkers.co.uk/job-information-for-play-workers.htm