Pathways into the Early Years Sector

Department for Education (DfE) has worked with an expert reference group to develop an early years careers progression map. It is a tool for staff to plan their careers and for those interested in working with children

• Pathway into Early Years Education - GOV.UK

Advertise and manage your vacancies on the DWP Find a job page for free

• Find a job - GOV.UK

Useful web resources

The Early Years Careers campaign toolkit can assist you with recruitment and advertising

• Do Something Big - GOV.UK
• First Five Years Count - NDNA
• Recruiting and managing early years staff - Early Years Alliance

5 reasons to work in childcare Nurseries Nannies Spotlight on 2-year-olds. Working in childcare First steps to a job in childcare Childminders

Qualification finder

Find out if a person’s qualifications allow them to work in an early years setting

• Check early years qualifications
• Early years qualifications achieved outside the UK

Qualifications offered by local Further and Higher Education

Degree and Childcare qualifications for young people and adult learners

• Early Years BA (Hons)
• Early Years Level 2-4
• Lifelong Learning Courses
• Free Courses

Information for employers

Advertise, search, and apply for apprenticeships. Work-based learning programmes for those up to the age of 19

• Find an Apprenticeship

Staff wellbeing

Early years staff wellbeing needs to lie at the heart of nursery settings.

The resources below identify important key areas, that could make a difference in the wellbeing of nursery and preschool staff

• Early years staff wellbeing
• Practitioner wellbeing
• Supporting staff wellbeing in early years settings
• Happy staff, happy setting
• Wellbeing Support

Supervision of staff

The EYFS states that:

Providers must put appropriate arrangements in place for the supervision of staff who have contact with children and families.

Effective supervision provides support, coaching, and training for the practitioner and promotes the interests of children.

Supervision should foster a culture of mutual support, teamwork, and continuous improvement, which encourages the confidential discussion of sensitive issues.

The Oldham Council audit tool below was written to support continuous quality improvement and, to support discussion at inspection.

• Journey to Excellence Development Plan

Improving knowledge and skills

• Skills Bootcamps from the DfE
• Early Years Child Development Training
• GMCA Early Years Workforce Resources