Nursery manager in Essex highlights “fulfilling” career for school leavers
Essex County Council has launched a guide packed with expert advice to help school leavers kickstart a career in Early Years
A nursery practitioner in Essex is highlighting the "fulfilling" role of childcare to encourage others to start a career in the early years sector.
Essex County Council has launched a guide packed with expert advice to help school leavers who are interested in working with children.
It's part of a campaign, ‘Make a change. Build a future' - inspiring people to enter or return to the workforce.
The sector is also keen to welcome more men, as only 2% of practitioners in school and group-based providers, and 3% of childminders are male.
Libby Houston is area manager for Munchkins Nursery, which has several locations in Basildon and Colchester.
She says they need more early years providers to meet growing demand.
Libby said: “With the funding coming into play, it's allowing parents to have more affordable childcare. But without educators, the childcare is not going to be there. So, it is really important that people are coming into early years and learning about it.
“I think sometimes it can be brushed off as you’re playing all day and that it's not educational. But actually without these crucial early years, children are going into school not prepared. They're struggling by not having that early years education.
“It's actually been quite a setback, so its vital children get this early years education, but we need the early years educators to support that. I think if you are interested in it or if you're interested in teaching at all, try out early years because it might be for you and it is rewarding. You're teaching first steps, first words, sounds, and senses. It is challenging it, but I think nothing is worth it if it's not hard.”
The guide by Essex County Council features tips from experienced practitioners including how to start an early year’s career regardless of prior qualifications, how to gain relevant experience, and available training.
Find out how to get a job in early years and childcare here.