Why study Childcare and Education?
A wide choice in a rapidly growing sector
The Childcare and Education sector is considered one of the most demanding sectors there is, not to mention highly rewarding. With an impressive pledge by the government to invest up to £66 million, the sector is in constant change and innovation to bring about exceptional services for future generations.
Here are just a few fulfilling careers along with some of the benefits of working in this sector that will bring you job satisfaction as well as developing your profile as a highly-skilled worker within this exciting industry.
What are the benefits of working in this sector?
It is now more apparent that the learning environment is ever-changing with new online learning solutions using digital classrooms, digital resources, videos and interactive whiteboards. You will have more opportunities to be creative and innovate your teaching style as you embark on your career.
Amongst many benefits, here is a shortlist of some:
· Flexible working hours
· Steady income
· Increase in employment prospects
· Further qualifications
· Make changes to childcare policies and regulations
· The joy of working with children
· Changing the future
· Physical stamina
· Being a positive role model
· Job satisfaction
4 reasons why working in Childcare is so rewarding
Early Years Nursery Manager
The role consists of managing the day to day running of a nursery including all the practices of staff, the delivery of a stimulating curriculum and creating a supportive and caring environment for children’s learning and development. You will also be in charge of looking after the nursery budgets, producing reports, and recruiting the right staff for your nursery.
One of the key responsibilities you will hold is ensuring certain regulations are met, such as health and safety, and most importantly the safeguarding of the children in your care.
What makes a great nursery leader?
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
This is a highly supportive role, that requires understanding and patience amongst many other qualities. You will be supporting students with mild to moderate learning difficulties and disabilities, which may include mobility needs, visual and hearing impairment needs.
You will organise outings, prepare appropriate teaching materials to meet the needs of the students. You will also be responsible for chairing meetings and speaking to parents to keep them informed of their child’s progress.
How to become a Special Educational Needs Teacher
PMLD Teacher
PMLD means Profound and Mulitple Learning Difficulties and Disabilities. Children with PMLD needs may have difficulties with speech, mobility, independence, vision, and hearing. It is important to recognise that children with such needs are unique individuals who have unique personalities just like any other child.
As a specialist teacher, you will prepare curriculum plans that include tactile and sensory equipment including:
Sensory integration
Sensory curriculums
Positive behaviour support
Moving and handling
Communication
Cognition and learning
Physical needs
Emotional wellbeing
You’ll also produce reports, deliver tailored teaching, hold meetings with Healthcare Professionals and parents to create individual learning plans and inform them on the progress or concerns about the child. It can be highly rewarding to see how children learn and develop through time.
Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties and Disabilities
Social Work Co-ordinator
As a Social Work Co-ordinator, you will be there to support young people with complex behavioural and emotional needs. You may run informal enrichment sessions such as music, cooking or team-building activities. You may also be involved in working with other professionals to deliver behaviour and anger management sessions. Your role will be to plan and deliver programmes related to health, fitness, smoking, drugs, gangs, violence, relationships and bullying.
Sophie’s journey to becoming a youth co-ordinator
Child psychotherapist
In this role you will offer psychoanalytic treatment to children and young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties. Some of these include:
depression
anxiety
development delay
phobias
aggression
consequences of child abuse
self-harming
eating disorders
Education Consultant
As a consultant, you will be responsible for developing learning strategies and curriculum. You may also deliver teacher training and development, all whilst keeping in mind the needs of the children and students. Most consultants will work with institutes to fix systematic issues and help them develop their practices using education theory.
How can I get into Childcare and Education?
You have various options to help you step into this career path, depending on your area of interest:
BTEC Level 3 NCFE Cache Diploma in Childcare and Education
T Level in Education and Childcare
A Levels (preferably in social sciences such as Sociology, Psychology and Health and Social Care or languages such as English Language or English Literature or Creative subjects such Performing Arts)
Do I need a degree to work in this sector?
Not for all roles. Nurseries, daycare centres and schools can offer you positions after you have achieved a Level 3 NCFE Cache Diploma or a T Level in Education and Childcare. As these courses equip you with real-life industry experience, you will have gained enough knowledge, theory and practical experiences to carry out a job.
However, some higher-level roles will require a degree, such as Primary School Teaching or Educational Psychologist. Always carry out thorough research before you decide on your next steps after college.
Further research
What is the difference between the new T Levels and BTEC’s?
Level 3 National Diploma Childcare and Education
Level 3 National Diploma Health and Social Care
Level 3 Health and Social Care Professionals Programme
Level 2 Diploma Early Years Education and Care
Level 2 Diploma Health and Social Care
A Level English Language and Literature
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma Health and Social Care
Level 3 National Diploma Performing Arts