Early Years Sector

The Early Years sector refers to the learning and care a child receives up to age five. Early years education settings include nurseries, preschools, childminders and school reception classes. These first few years of a child’s life are incredibly important and the workforce play a huge role in helping them to achieve their potential.

Get inspired

Average annual salary

£27,300

Percentage of GM workforce working in this sector

1%

(14,500 employed)

Approximate number of GM employers

1,200

Soft skills

  • Patience
  • Communication skills
  • Time management
  • Teamwork
  • Enjoy working with young children
  • Enthusiasm
  • Positive
  • Creative
  • Inclusive

Who might you work for?

  • Nurseries
  • Play groups
  • Primary schools
  • Your own home (as a childminder)

Hear from real people working in this sector in GM

Explore the sector

Workplace trends

  • Desire to attract more males into the sector, where the workforce is currently over 95% female.
  • Roles are amongst the most advertised in GM and there is a large turnover of staff.
  • Going forward, biggest growth in the sector is likely to be in caring for 0-2 year olds and so practitioners wanting to work in this age group will be in high demand.

Types of qualifications

  • You may not need specific early years qualifications, although some jobs might require GCSEs in subjects such as Maths and English.
  • There are apprenticeship qualifications for teaching assistants and childcare workers.
  • Graduate route with Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is most common for those wanting to be Early Years teachers.

What does the future hold for the Early Years sector?

  • Desire to improve recruitment and retention by demonstrating how this sector can offer a rewarding career.
  • Better career progression and training opportunities.
  • The sector is growing and there is a desire to create a more diverse workforce to represent communities.
  • Growing awareness about the incredible impact which the sector can have on society – especially in disadvantaged areas.

This sector is part of a Greater Manchester Baccalaureate gateway – use Beeline to find out more

Explore more on Beeline

Get ready to apply

What do I need to start my career?

  • You don’t always need a qualification to start your career in early years and childcare but a L3 qualification is something that nurseries and pre-schools often look for, and will help you progress.
  • The right soft skills are important, including an interest in early child development.
  • You will need a DBS check, and will undertake regular safeguarding training.
  • To work as a childminder you will need first aid and childcare training.
  • Many childcare and teaching assistant roles have apprenticeship opportunities.

Shortage and in demand roles

  • Early Years Educator
  • Early Years Practitioner
  • Early Years Teachers and Teaching Assistant
  • Roles working with young people with special educational needs or disabilities
  • Childminder

Roles that GM employers are currently recruiting for

  • Nursery Nurses
  • Early Years Educators
  • SEND Assistants
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Admin/Office Staff
  • Playworker
  • Child Welfare Professional

Learn more about how you could get started in this sector

Want to know more?

Read about the early years sector here or find out more about specific job roles online by using the National Careers Service or Prospects websites. Many jobs are advertised on the employers’ own websites www.gov.uk/find-a-job.