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Jobs in Early Years

There are a wide range of Early Years roles available in Hertfordshire and you may choose to work in a nursery or reception provision within a school, or at a standalone nursery school, at a family centre or at a private preschool or day nursery.

Early Years Teachers and Early Years Practitioners may work in schools or in private, voluntary or independent (PVI) settings, including preschools and day care. They work alongside teachers and leaders to support childcare and the learning and development of children aged 0–5. An NVQ Level 3 qualification in early years is mandatory in some posts.

Graduate, qualified EYPs, and those holding the EYT qualification may work as early years specialist teaching assistants in Nursery and Reception classes in maintained schools alongside class teachers and other teaching assistants. The EYT/EYP qualification is not yet recognised as fully qualified teacher status (QTS).

Here is a guide to some of the qualifications and roles available in Hertfordshire. Please note that there may be some variation across settings relating to differing job titles and responsibilities:

Role Qualification Needed
Nursery or Reception Class Teacher QTS
Teaching Assistant Unqualified, although various training is available
Learning Support Assistant Unqualified, although various training is available
Early Years Practitioner/ Senior Practitioner Level 2 or above
Early Years Educator Level 2 or above
Nursery Nurse Level 3 or above
Room Leader Level 3 or above

Early Years Special Educational

Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

Level 3 + SENCO Qualification

Early Start Team

Leader

A Degree in a recognised professional qualification in

Health, Education, Childcare or equivalent

Early Start Deputy

Team Leader

Level 4 in Health, Education, Childcare, or equivalent

Senior Early Start

Worker

Level 3/4 in Health, Education, Childcare or equivalent

Early Start Worker

Level 3 in Health, Education, Childcare or equivalent

Early Start

Assistant

Level 2/3 in Health, Education, Childcare or equivalent

Family Support

Team Leader

A Degree in a recognised professional qualification in

Social Care, Health, Education, Childcare or equivalent

Family Support

Deputy Team

Leader

Level 4 in Social Care, Health, Education, Childcare, or

equivalent

Senior Family

Support Worker

Level 4 in Social Care, Health, Education, Childcare, or

equivalent 

Family Support

Worker

Level 3/4 in Social Care, Health, Education, Childcare or

equivalent 

Early Start Administrator

Level 3 qualification in Customer Service or

Administration

Various Admin

Assistants (Finance, Data)

Level 2 qualification