Jobs in Early Years
Why work in Early Years?
We asked staff working with children aged 0-5 in Hertfordshire what was the most rewarding thing about their jobs - here's what they had to say:
- transforming a reluctant child entering a setting into one that runs in!
- being able to support families who are struggling.
- making a difference to children in our care. Giving them the best time.

- helping create the lightbulb moments with parents.
- every day is different, and you never know what's around the corner!
- making a positive impact.
- being a good role model, inspiring children and giving them a good start.
- seeing the children develop.
- making a difference in families' lives - not just the children but the parents as well.
- supporting SEND families at the beginning of their journey and helping them celebrate the small achievements as well as the big ones

From knowing you can give children the best start to their learning, contributing to their early education, supporting children and their families, empowering women, making positive relationships with families, helping new mums while watching their baby develop - every day is different!
If you'd like to read some of the personal case studies from Hertfordshire's Early Years heroes, click here!
Who should work in Early Years?
We asked Herts employers what they thinkare the most important qualities that they are looking for when recruiting new staff. Here's what they said:
What roles are available?
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
|
How to qualify
This map from the DfE shows how a career in Early Years might look, and you can find out about routes into working in Early Years see the DfE webite here.
In Hertfordshire you can access a dedicated level 3 apprenticeship in Early Years, delivered jointly by HFL Education and Sporting Futures.
Contact vacancies@sportingfutures.co.uk for information.

To find current Early Years vacancies near you, click here!
