Working with Children:
A Guide to Qualifications and Careers in Early Education, Childcare and Playwork

Using this booklet

Who is this booklet for?

If you are thinking about a career in early education, childcare or playwork then this booklet is for you. It will also be helpful to employers, career service companies, schools, and to those already in a job.

What does it cover?

This booklet deals with careers in:

• education and daycare for children aged 0-5 (before children go to primary school);
• out-of-school care for school age children; and
• work to support teachers in primary education, for example classroom assistants and special needs auxiliaries.

This booklet does not cover career opportunities in the teaching profession or in other professions working with children and young people (eg social work, healthcare or residential childcare).

If you want more information on related professions not featured in this booklet, contact your local careers service (details are at end of this booklet).

What is its purpose?

This booklet aims to:

• Show the range of occupations and employment opportunities in early years education, childcare and playwork; and,
• Set out the available, nationally recognised qualifications, showing how you can use them to move from one role to another and develop your career.