Why work in Early Learning and Childcare
Advice to help decide if a career in Early Learning and Childcare is right for you.
A career that makes a difference
If you enjoy spending time with young children and you’re passionate about helping them grow and learn – then you could have what it takes to work in Early Learning and Childcare.
More about career progressionWhat's in a typical day?
Developing children’s skills with activities such as painting, cookery, playing music, number and alphabet games, and outdoor activities
Encouraging them to learn with stories and sing songs together
Keeping children safe and well
Assessing and reporting on how the children are progressing
6 reasons to get a job in childcare
You’ll teach children skills they’ll use for life
It’s more than ‘just a job’ – it’s a truly rewarding and satisfying career
There is so much variety (and you’re never stuck behind a desk all day!)
It’s a secure job with great opportunities for career progression
You’ll often spend time outdoors on adventures together
You will change lives – yours and the children’s
The pay, hours, and holidays
The salary for an Early Learning and Childcare Practitioner ranges on average between £15-28K per year. The actual figure depends on qualifications, experience, and what sort of nursery you’re working at. Plus there will be opportunities to earn more if you decide to work your way up to manage a nursery.
Nurseries can be open from around 7am in the morning to 6pm at night. Practitioners usually work an eight-hour shift within these times but part-time and flexible hours are widely available. So, if you have your own children, you could find something that fits around your family’s needs.
Those who work full time hours will also be entitled to the 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday a year. Part-time and flexible workers will get these holidays pro rata.
“Working with children can be the most rewarding job in the world. No two days are the same and no two children are the same. Each day you’re helping to develop their young minds and are making an important and lasting difference to their future.’’
Gavin
Early Learning and Childcare Manager
There are jobs in Early Learning and Childcare being created across Scotland.
There are jobs available
There are jobs available in private, voluntary sector and Local Authority nurseries. Private and voluntary sector nurseries are run by individuals, community groups, or commercial businesses. Local Authority nurseries are run by your local council and are often attached to primary schools or community centres. You can get also get into Childcare by becoming a Childminder.
More about the different roles
We’re looking for both men and women to work in ELC
Times are changing – and for the better. We’re now seeing more men interested in working in childcare than ever before. There’s even a course at Glasgow Kelvin College dedicated to helping men get into this fun, important and rewarding career.
Training opportunities
You can get a job in Early Learning and Childcare without any formal, childcare related qualifications. However you will have to get qualifications while you work. In some instances you can get an Apprenticeship and ‘earn as you learn’, receiving a wage while you complete your qualifications. Alternatively you could enrol in a full-time college course which involves lots of time on placement in a nursery.
More about training