Do Something Big | Oldham Council

Starting a career in early years and childcare

Are you new to early years and childcare, or would you like to work with small children and be part of something big in Oldham?

Working with children in the early years is one of the most rewarding and impactful careers you can pursue.

Early childhood is a crucial time in a child's development, and your work can have a lasting effect on their growth, learning, and wellbeing.

Whether you're interested in working in a pre-school, nursery, school, before and afternschool club, or becoming a childminder, you could make a big difference in our little people’s lives!

There are many different roles could do:

Be a pre-school assistant
Be a senior team member or team leader
Become an early years teacher
Be a manager
Be a special educational needs coordinator

To find out more about how you can make a difference as an early years educator or childminder, visit:

Be part of something big - gov.uk website

Training opportunities in Oldham

Apprenticeships

Several local apprenticeship providers are working with early years businesses in Oldham, these include:

Race Ahead - Race Ahead website
Oldham College - Oldham College website
WMCtraining - WMC Training website

Adult learning

Childcare courses and functional skills courses for adults 19+. Pre-entry level and functional skills are offered as well as the Step into Childcare and early years taster course for those considering working with young children

Lifelong learning: Education and Early Years

Get Oldham Working

Council service that aims to help people find work, apprenticeships, and training opportunities offering a range of support

Get Oldham Working

Oldham College

Childcare qualifications for young people and adult learners

Early Years: Education and Childcare - Oldham College website

University Campus Oldham

Degree qualification for young people and adult learners

Education & Early Years BA (Hons) - University Campus Oldham website

Find a job

To find Oldham early years job vacancies, visit the gov.uk website

Find Early Years roles - gov.uk website

Real Stories

Kerry Keenan Childminding Service

"You see that child going off to school and teachers are telling you that they're thriving; you don't get that sort of job satisfaction anywhere else."

Forest Friends Pre-School in Grotton

"I love working here. It’s not like work because the children are all so lovely."

A-Star Kids Parkview Nursery in Coppice

"Every day is about helping young children find their confidence, discover their potential and thrive."

Kidz Matter Day Nursery in Failsworth

"What I love the most is the impact you make to the children. All the different milestones. It's a really rewarding job."

Buttercup Day Nursery in Chadderton

"You witness a lot of their first milestones in life – them talking, walking. It doesn't necessarily feel like a job."