Working and Training in childcare
Working with children and young people is a rewarding, challenging and fun career – with the potential to change lives for the better.
There are many opportunities to work with children across Bedfordshire in nurseries, playgroups, out of school clubs, playschemes and as a childminder.
Working with children from 0-14 there are opportunities for full-time and part-time work. For example, you could work in a playscheme in the school holidays or in a nursery class in a primary school during term-time
Children are already benefiting from the input from people like you – people who care about children and their future, who have the commitment, energy and enthusiasm to be positive role models and who value the opportunity for a worthwhile career.
So why work with children? Because children deserve a good start in life. After all, they are our future.
What are the opportunities?
The examples below will give you some idea of the types of opportunities in the childcare and the early education sector:
Nursery nurse / pre-school worker – working with children from 0 – 5 yrs in a pre –school or day nursery
Playworker– working with children from 5-12 years in an out of school club / holiday playscheme
Registered childminder – working in you own home, you can decide the age range of the children
Childcare – a business opportunity – starting your own childcare business
Do I need a qualification?
You may work in childcare without a qualification. However, if you gain a qualification in childcare, this will help you help your career working with children.
A number of courses are grant funded by the Bedfordshire County Council through the European Social Fund (EFS), so that you may only need to pay a small registration fee.
Phone the Recruitment Helpline for advice on gaining a qualification in childcare.
Helping you decide which job is right for you
Bedfordshire County Council run a number of short taster courses to help you decide which area of childcare you would like to work. We currently run the following introductory courses:
Choices in Childcare - a free 4 hour taster course aimed at people wanting to find out more about working with children and young people. This course is ideal if you are uncertain about which age group you would like to work with and are looking for advice on training and qualifications. Course dates|.
Step into Childcare Entry Level - a 10 week pratical hands-on course for people who are interested in working with children aged 2½ - 5 years in a nursery environment or pre-school. You will need to complete a short workbook in order to gain your certificate. Course dates.
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Getting Started in Pre-School Practice CACHE Level 1 - a 30 hour pratical hands-on course for people interesetd in working in a pre-school environment with children aged 2½ - 5 years. You will need to complete a multiple choice question paper at the end of the course in order to gain your certificate. Course dates.
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First Steps to Play Entry Level - a 15 hour foundation course for people who want to gain playwork experience working with children aged 5 - 15 years, for example as a playworker in an out of school club or holiday playscheme. Course dates|.
Drop-In Sessions
Our Recruitment Officer and Recruitment Advisor hold regular drop in sessions throughout Bedfordshire. Please call the Recruitment Team on 01234 228555 or 01234 228847 for more information.
Contact Details
Helpline - (01234) 228847
Email - Childcare Recruitment| (For attention of Norma Bubb-Luke, Recruitment Administrator)