Parenta's October Magazine

What to expect when
working in childcare
What to expect when
working in
childcare
Have you ever considered working in childcare but don’t know what to expect?
Maybe you’re a parent returning to work, or a school leaver seeking their first
apprentice placement, or maybe you just want a change of scene, and childcare
appeals. Whatever your current status, knowing what to expect will help you make an
informed choice about joining the childcare workforce.
Childcare workers provide care and
supervision for children. They can
work in public and private settings
including residential homes, hospitals,
women’s shelters and educational
establishments. As a childcare worker,
you help shape the lives of exuberant
and inquisitive little people as they work
out what the world is, and their place
in it.
According to Government statistics,
as of March 31, 2019, the number of
childcare providers registered with
Ofsted, were 1 :
• 39,000 childminders
• 27,300 providers on non-domestic
premises (group-based settings)
• 10,100 home childcarers (nannies)
• 200 childcarers on domestic
premises (home-based settings)
That’s 76,600 providers, and 2018
statistics record 700,000 childcare
workers in the sector. 2 Each setting
will offer different advantages and
disadvantages, autonomy and working
conditions, and like any career, starters
and apprentices will have different dayto-day
practices than an experienced,
degree-qualified, nursery manager or
owner.
But working in childcare is incredibly
rewarding, so read on to see what to
expect and if this career is for you. In
this article, we have focused on nursery
workers, which can also be known as
nursery nurses, nursery assistants, preschool
assistants, playgroup assistants
and childcare apprentices.
Day-to-day tasks
One great thing about working in childcare, is that everyday will bring something
new. Yes, there will be routines to follow and schedules to keep to, but you will
be working with children, and that means new situations, new ideas and new
experiences.
Day-to-day tasks can include:
• Planning and supervising activities, e.g. music, mark-making, arts and crafts,
cooking
• Helping with language and numeracy skills through games and activities like
phonics and counting
Taking part in trips and activities outside the setting or in an outdoor space
Supporting children at mealtimes
Feeding and changing babies and assisting with toilet training toddlers
Observing children and making notes on their development
Safeguarding children
Managing children’s behaviour in a positive and nurturing way
Helping children’s social, emotional and educational development
Setting-up and packing-away equipment as needed
Dealing with children with special needs
• Following rules and adhering to your setting’s policies and procedures
As you gain more experience, you could progress to become a key worker for one
or more children, which may include liaising with parents or providing reports on
the children’s development.
Skills needed
The main skills needed are:
Excellent communication skills •
• The ability to play and work with
children in a positive and sensitive
manner
Creativity and imagination
Patience and resilience
Organisation skills
• Planning skills
IT skills
• Understanding and knowledge
of childcare, first-aid and child
development
Physical fitness
Responsible attitude
• Willing to undergo required training
and CPD
Qualifications expected and
regulatory checks
Childcare is a career that you can still get
into without having formal qualifications,
although most settings will expect you
to be able to demonstrate that you have
some interest in the sector or at least
some experience, even as a volunteer.
You can expect there to be competition
for places on college courses and
apprenticeships, and most settings will
expect you to train for at least a level 2 or
level 3 childcare qualification on the job if
you do not already have qualifications.
Childcare qualifications range from level
2 (equivalent to GCSEs) right up to postgraduate
and research level, and the
higher paid jobs with more responsibility,
will inevitably require a higher level of
experience and qualification.
You will also need to have an enhanced
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
check but this is a standard requirement
for anyone working with children.
Environment and working hours
Childcare workers are employed in
different settings, including:
• Dedicated childcare premises or
crèches
• Daily childcare settings (such as
those who operate from church halls
or community centres who set-up/
pack-away daily)
• Domestic settings
• Playschemes
• Children’s centres
• Primary schools
The majority of childcare is provided
during normal working hours, although
this can vary if you are employed in a
domestic situation. In a dedicated setting,
you should normally expect to work an
8-hour day, 5 days a week but nurseries
can be open from 7am to 6pm or even
later, and you might need to work a shift
system to cover the operating hours. Your
setting may also work Saturdays in some
cases.
Some jobs, such as those in reception
classes in schools, may operate during
term-time only which may appeal.
You will also be with predominantly
female colleagues since only 2% of the
current UK childcare workforce is male.
Earnings & career advancement
According to Total Jobs, the average
salary for childcare jobs is £27,000,
ranging from £20,536 to £37,000 3 . Starter
salaries and apprenticeships are lower,
but apprentices will get at least the
national minimum wage, currently £3.90
per hour.
Tips and advice
Wherever you end up, when you work
with children, you can expect to work
hard for your money. It can be a stressful
environment, but it’s also an incredibly
creative, rewarding and fulfilling one too.
Our advice is to make sure you do your
homework about the setting
you are thinking of working
in. Read their relevant
Ofsted reports, which will give you more
information about the environment and
ethos, and talk to people actually working
in childcare to find out what they think are
the pros and cons of the industry.
If possible, try to gain some experience
as a volunteer before you commit to a
course or apprenticeship, so you are
making an informed decision based on
some practical knowledge or experience.
This could be baby-sitting for friends
and family, as a volunteer or as a nanny.
Visit All for Good, where you can search
for volunteering programs in your area,
including assisting with child care.
For more information on Parenta childcare
apprenticeships, see:
parenta.com/our-training-courses
References:
1. gov.uk/government/publications/
childcare-providers-and-inspectionsas-at-31-march-2019/childcareproviders-and-inspections-as-at-31-
march-2019-main-findings
2. epi.org.uk/wp-content/
uploads/2019/01/The-early-yearsworkforce-in-England_EPI.pdf
3. totaljobs.com/salary-checker/
average-childcare-salary
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