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What are the main occupations?
People working in early education, childcare and play have a number of different job titles and work in different settings. The main occupations are set out below. For some you will need specific qualifications. Others require no formal qualifications. However, employers will generally look for qualified staff, so if you hold formal qualifications (or are prepared to work towards them) there will be more opportunities open to you. If you want to progress to more senior and managerial levels in early education, childcare or playwork you will certainly need to obtain formal qualifications, as well as relevant experience. Details of the qualifications currently available (including those mentioned below).
Working with children in the home
Childminder
Childminders usually work in their own home. If you want to be a childminder and look after children under the age of 8, you have to register with your local authority. The number of children you can look after at any one time as a registered childminder is fixed by the local authority. No formal qualifications are required, but they may help you to register as a childminder and find work. The local authority may also require you to undergo a short training course (covering for example child health and welfare) before registration.
Childminders may also look after older children, particularly after school. At present, they do not have to register to care for children aged 8 or over; but this is under review.
Once you have had significant experience of working with young children, and when you have gained appropriate qualifications, it may be possible for you to work with the local authority in providing pre-school education for 3-5 year olds. If you are interested in finding out more about this you should contact your local authority and ask about pre-school partnership opportunities.
Nanny
Nannies care for children in the home of the child. In some cases the family may prefer you to live with them (these nannies may also be known as 'au pairs'). Many nannies register with nanny agencies that help them find suitable employment. Agencies generally prefer you to hold relevant qualifications, for example the Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Childcare and Education or the Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) level 3 in Early Years Care and Education.
Working in early education, childcare and play centres
Crèche worker
Crèche workers may work in a variety of settings that have attached crèches, for example: sports centres and supermarkets. Many crèches prefer workers who hold qualifications, although there is no national requirement. The level and type of qualification required will differ between crèches and are likely to range between National Certificate units, SVQ level 2 or level 3 in Playwork or Early Years Care and Education, or HNC in Childcare and Education.
Play leader
Play leaders are employed in playgroups, out of school childcare settings, community centres, hospital playgroups, and clubs. It is the job of the play leader to plan appropriate learning opportunities for the children in the centre. You are more likely to be offered a job as a play leader if you hold an appropriate qualification and have suitable experience of working with children. The most appropriate qualifications are the HNC in Childcare and Education or the SVQ level 3 in either Early Years Care and Education (for children 0-8) or Playwork (for children 5-15).
Play worker or play assistant
Play workers (or play assistants) work in the same settings as play leaders but in a more junior role. There is no national requirement to hold a qualification. Many employers will prefer you to hold a qualification and a qualification will help you find a job. The most appropriate qualifications are the SVQ level 2 in either Early Years Care and Education (for children 0-8) or Playwork (for children 5-15). Many parents begin a new career in childcare as play workers in their local playgroup.
Nursery nurses (also known as early education and childcare workers)
Nursery nurses are known by a number of different titles, including nursery officers and early education and childcare workers. Nursery nurses work in a number of different settings, for example: local authority nursery schools or classes; private day nurseries; voluntary sector nurseries; child and family centres; community nurseries; Gaelic-medium nurseries; and hospital nurseries. Nursery nurses may also work in primary schools to support the work of teachers. To be considered a nursery nurse you need to hold specific qualifications. The most widely recognised are the SVQ level 3 in Early Years Care and Education or the HNC in Childcare and Education1. In addition to specific qualifications some local authorities will require you to be registered with the Scottish Childcare and Education Board (formally the Scottish Nursery Nurses Examination Board). Registration is not in itself any kind of qualification.
Nursery assistant
Nursery assistants tend to work in the same settings as nursery nurses, but in a more junior role. Having an appropriate qualification will help you find a job, although there is no national requirement. The SVQ level 2 in Early Years Care and Education is the most appropriate qualification.
Working with children in schools
Out-of-school care workers
Out-of-school care assistants work in breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, and holiday play schemes. Often the same provider will provide all three. Breakfast and after-school clubs, in particular, tend to take place in school settings but outside of normal school hours. Out-of- school care workers also work in other settings outside of schools, for example community centres and church halls. The range of activities offered by out-of-school clubs can be quite varied and will depend on the age range of the children. No formal qualifications are required, although it will help you get a job if you have a qualification. SVQ levels 2 or 3 in Playwork will be appropriate if you are working with school age children. If you are working with younger children the SVQ levels 2 and 3 in Early Years Care and Education will be appropriate.
Classroom assistant
Classroom assistants work in primary schools to assist teachers in the classroom. No formal qualifications are required although most local authorities will ask new classroom assistants to undergo some form of induction training. A Professional Development Award (PDA), is currently being developed for classroom assistants. In time, SVQs for classroom assistants will be introduced.
Special needs assistants
Special needs assistants (also known as special needs auxiliaries, SEN auxiliaries or support for learning assistants) work in primary schools and give particular help to children with special educational needs. They tend to work one-to-one with children. No formal qualifications are required. However, there is a Higher National Certificate and a Higher National Diploma in 'supporting special learning needs', which are specifically aimed at those who wish to work with children and adults with special learning needs. In addition, a Professional Development Award has recently been developed which is specifically aimed at support for learning assistants.
1Some nursery nurses may hold a Nursery Nurse Examination Board (NNEB) certificate or diploma. Although these qualifications are not offered in Scotland, they are recognised qualifications. If you hold NNEB qualifications you can continue to work as a nursery nurse or apply for new jobs.
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