Becoming a childcare practitioner
Early Years practitioners look after young children in a setting. This includes:
- day nurseries
- pre-schools
- children's centres
- independent schools
- schools with nurseries
- wraparound childcare provision
If you are passionate about providing the best outcomes for children, this could be the ideal career choice for you.
You will need the following abilities:
- a knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop
- to provide quality care that meets the needs of families
- to provide children with a nurturing and inspirational environment
- to support the children's individual growth and development
- a commitment to professional development by attending on-going training
- to work in partnership with parents/carers and other professional agencies
- to become part of the childcare community in Southend
What you will need to become a childcare practitioner:
- full and recognised level 2 or above childcare qualification.
- enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Completed with a college or employer.
- once qualified a Full Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid must be completed. This needs to be within 3 months of starting work. This will enable you to be included in staff:child ratios.
Education Inspection Framework
Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage document
Wraparound Childcare Provision
Wraparound childcare is looking after primary school aged children before and after school. For example, in breakfast clubs and regular after-school clubs. This usually means during term time and until 6pm or later. It can also refer to childcare and activities in the school holidays.
Wraparound childcare employers often offer flexible hours ranging from:
- part-time during term time only
- full-time work across the term time
- school holidays
Some offer subsidised or free wraparound childcare for the children of staff during their working hours.
Wraparound childcare staff can work:
- in a variety of places, such as in school buildings or community facilities
- for a range of organisations, such as schools, charities or private businesses
The work will vary but may include:
- planning and setting up play areas, making sure they are safe and secure
- leading games and supervising children while they are playing
- providing breakfast or a snack
- building trust and supporting children to feel settled and comfortable
- building positive relationships with parents and carers and with other professionals
Skills you may need:
Wraparound childcare providers are looking for a wide range of people with different skills and experience. It’s also important that staff have a passion for working with children, so they can bring fun and enjoyment to the role. People who might be suited to working in wraparound childcare include:
- playworkers
- people in nurseries, pre-schools, or other childcare roles
- teaching assistants
- school support staff
- sports coaches
- youth workers
- students
- parents, grandparents and other carers
Some people working in wraparound childcare may be volunteers. Childminders can also offer wraparound childcare.
Anyone working in these roles will need to pass enhanced DBS checks. You may also need to show that you have experience working with young children. No specific qualifications are required, but some employers may want you to have a level 2 qualification (equivalent to a GCSE). You’ll also need to complete safeguarding training when you start the job.