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.