As part of our ongoing early years recruitment campaign, ‘Make a change. Build a future.’, we are dispelling myths around early years and childcare careers.
Myth: Men don’t make good early years workers.
Fact: Men are great role models for young children.
Currently, only 1.8% of men work in the early years sector, but men make great role models for young children. Stuart Cloke, Manager of Step Start Nursery in Mountnessing, said: “As a male practitioner, we can have a unique impact on children in early years. It would be great for more men to enter the sector.”
Myth: The early years and childcare sector offers limited career opportunities.
Fact: There are plenty of chances to progress your early years and childcare career.
The early years sector is full of opportunities to progress. Libby Houston, Area Manager of Munchkins Nurseries, said: “Doing an apprenticeship is the best way to learn and earn money at the same time. After my apprenticeship, I took a full-time position at Munchkins. I became Area Manager in 2022. I love my job and the sky’s the limit!”
Myth: Early years offers little flexibility.
Fact: The early years sector offers lots of flexibility, especially for working parents.
There’s so much flexibility on offer for people working in the early years and childcare sector. Andrea Chinery, Manager of Little Chestnuts Pre-school, said: “I left early years settings to become a nanny and then a childminder. Once my children grew up, I wanted to return to a pre-school setting. The hours work well for my family now. I’d recommend the profession to anyone.”
Myth: Early years roles require experience and training.
Fact: There are lots of pathways to get into a career in early years and childcare.
There are lots of different ways to start a career in early years and childcare. Apprenticeships are ideal for people of all ages, who would like to train in a childcare setting. Many people join early years as they’ve developed transferable skills. There may be financial support available to help you train. Deb Newman used her knowledge of business to run Kidz OK pre-school in Harlow. She said: “I did business studies at college. So, when my mum asked me to help run a play school in Essex, it made sense for me to set up the business side. There is so much opportunity and training if you want to specialise and progress in early years.”
Myth: It’s difficult to return to the sector after leaving the profession for a few years.
Fact: We need qualified early years and childcare practitioners to return to the sector.
The sector offers flexibility for part-time and full-time practitioners, as preschools and nurseries are often open at different times throughout the year. The skills required to look after children have not changed. Linsie Dare, Munchkins Nurseries, said: “I started my career at 17 and after 10 years, I wanted a new challenge and began working for Essex County Council as an area Special Education Needs Co-ordinator. But I missed being around the children and wanted to head back to my roots. I love going into the rooms and role model playing with the children to show other practitioners our expectations.”
Find out more about a career in early years and childcare. Search for current early years and childcare vacancies.
