Early Years
Find A Job in the Early Years Sector today!
Explore the Find a Job page and Search by Early Years or look in the Education Jobs advert category.
What is the Early Years sector?
The early years is a vital part of a child’s education when they develop the cognitive, social and emotional skills that set them up for life. Early years professionals are crucial in helping children develop before starting school. They plan and run education, play activities with children under five years old, and make sure they’re safe and happy. It’s a joyful and rewarding job where you will get to see children learn and grow as a result of the support that you offer.
Early years professionals are needed in a range of different settings across the Liverpool City Region, such as day care centres, pre-schools, nursery schools, reception classes, playgroups, hospitals and, as childminders, in their own homes.
Why work in Early Years?
Early years education is one of the Government’s key priorities. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that youngsters who have been exposed to positive role models from an early age are more likely to realise better social and educational outcomes and get the best possible start in life. Across Liverpool City Region there are opportunities to work with children during their formative years in a way that will significantly impact on their lives.
Whilst the children you work with may only be part of your working day, to them, you are their childhood.
There are many reasons why working in childcare can be a positive, enriching and rewarding career. With the industry growing at a rapid pace, there are great opportunities to train at a higher level.
Let’s hear from the Early Years professionals…
How can I enter the Early Years Profession?
There are many routes into the Early Years profession, many of which will offer you the flexibility that you need to ensure a work/life balance. You can find more here.
If you want to find out what roles exist within the sector and the pathway to get there, then you can explore the iFate Occupational Maps. You can find out more about Occupational Maps here.
Early Years Apprenticeships
During their training, early years apprentices can be included in the unqualified part of the staff to child ratios in an early years setting if their employer is happy that they are competent and responsible.
Once a level 2 or 3 apprenticeship has been achieved, those with the qualification can be counted in level 2 and 3 staff ratios respectively. Those who have achieved a level 3 early years apprenticeship will need to have obtained suitable English and maths qualifications in order to count in the level 3 child : staff ratios.
Social care, residential care and learning, development and support services apprenticeships are not full and relevant for the EYFS staff ratios.
Early Years Degrees
Early childhood studies (ECS) and related degrees
Staff who graduated since 1 September 2014 with a degree in early childhood studies (ECS), or a related degree, count at level 3 in the staff:child ratios as long as they:
- took a qualification that was consistent with the QAA subject benchmark statement for ECS (training providers will provide this clarification)
- took a qualification with an element of assessed performance in an early years setting
hold suitable level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications
Early childhood studies degrees with early childhood graduate practitioner competencies
Staff who have graduated since July 2019 with a full and relevant qualification as stated on post Sept 2014 qualifications, with an early childhood studies degree and early childhood graduate practitioner competencies have taken a qualification that was consistent with the QAA subject benchmark statement for ECS.
They have met early childhood competencies demonstrating practice, skills and knowledge at level 6.
These graduates can be counted as full and relevant at level 3 in the staff: child ratios as long as they:
- took a qualification with an element of mentored and assessed performance in an early childhood setting
- hold suitable level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications
- graduated from an institution listed as a member of the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN)
T-Levels
An early education and childcare T Level will meet the Early Years Educator criteria. On successful achievement the student has achieved the EYE Occupational Specialism of the T Level in Education and Childcare, the young person can count in the level 3 ratios. Read more about T Levels.
Are you a Parent/Carer?
If you are a parent or carer looking for support in accessing childcare, you can find out more about government support for you here.
Are you interested in returning to the profession?
There are many reasons why staff may have left Early Years and pursue careers elsewhere. However the passion, skills, and love of working with young people remains.
The sector is changing with more opportunities and routes to progress and develop. Early Years is also growing in size, demand and stature. What hasn’t changed is the joy of working with children, the impact you can have on their lives, and every day will still be different.
If you would like to talk to someone about getting back into the Early Years Sector then please fill out this form and someone will get in touch to support you*.
TRANSFER YOUR APPRENTICESHIP LEVY FUNDING TO LCR EMPLOYERS IN THE EARLY YEARS SECTOR
Investing in apprenticeships in the Early Years sector will increase the qualified staff entering the sector as it provides a clear progression route for staff. This will lead to an increased workforce in the sector and allowing parents to enter full time employment, increasing employment and the local economy.
To discuss why and how directing your Apprenticeship Levy towards local Early Years providers can be the right fit for your organisation, and the communities that you serve and operate in, please register by CLICKING HERE or by visiting: https://lcrbemore.co.uk/levy-pledge/
*Your information:
Your details with be passed to a specialist Early Years Champion within DWP locally who will contact you to discuss opportunities tailored around your skills and experience to return to the sector in the locality you prefer – as well as potential routes pathways to developing your career further.
They can also put you in touch with organisations who may be able to offer further advice and support such as LCR-CA Employment and Skills colleagues and Local Authority Early Years teams.
Details of the LCR Be More privacy notice and terms and conditions can be found by clicking HERE or by visiting: https://lcrbemore.co.uk/privacy-policy/
