Childcare Settings and Job Roles
If you are thinking about a career in childcare it is worth considering the age of the children you would like to work with and what type of setting would best suit you. Career in childcare are split into two groups that overlap. Staff and volunteers often work in a variety of settings with different age groups. For example, you may work in a pre-school in the morning and an After School Club in the afternoon.
There is a steady increase in the number of settings that provide care and early education across age ranges. Wrap around care is when Early Years education and out of school care are in one setting.
Out of school clubs / playwork
Includes Breakfast Clubs, After School Clubs and Holiday clubs. They provide play, recreation and activity opportunities for 3-14 year olds (may vary), allowing parents/carers to study or work outside of school hours. Clubs are staffed by playworkers.
Playworkers need to organise a range of activities like games, cookery, dance, drama and trips out. Out of school clubs run sessional hours. For Breakfast Clubs, it is usually 8am until school starts, 3pm until 6pm for After School Clubs, and full days from 8pm until 6pm during school holidays.
For a first hand account of working in this field check out our case study on Out of School Clubs
Childminding
Childminders are self employed, providing care and learning opportunities for other people's children in their own home, from when a child is a baby until school and beyond. As a childminder, you will work on your own initiative and be able to plan daily activities that meet the needs of the children in your care.
You may care for a maximum of 6 children (including your own) under 8 years old. Of these, no more than 3 children can be under 3 years, and of those 3, only 1 can be under 12 months old.
As a childminder, you are required to attend a recognised introductory course and a First Aid course within the first 6 months of being registered. You can choose the hours you work. A typical working day is 8am-6pm. You may be able to claim some funding towards the registration costs of becoming a childminder. Tel: Poole Children's information Service for further details: 01202 261999.
For a first hand account of working in this field check out our case study on Childminding
Crèches
Provide occasional care for children up to the age of 12, allowing parents to participate in other activities, such as shopping or recreation. Mobile crèches can be established where needed if an appropriate space is available. The qualifications of the staff depend upon the ages of the children attending.
Staff need to be flexible with activities in order that the needs of all the children attending are met. Crèche work is usually sessional as and when needed. Some crèches, are open the whole day but children attend for a few hours at a time. Staff are employed on a full or part-time basis.
For a first hand account of working in this field check out our case study on Creches.
Day Nurseries
These provide care and educational activities for children aged 0 to 5 years old. Some also have after school and holiday clubs for children up to 8 years old. Day Nurseries can be private or community run. As a member of staff, you will usually have an early years qualification. You plan and organise educational and care activities that meet the needs of the children who attend.
Opening hours can range between 7am to 7pm. If open for more than 8 hours, a staff rota will exist to maintain adequate staff ratios at all times. You can be employed on a full or part-time basis.
For a first hand account of working in this field check out our case study on Day Nurseries
Nursery Units
Situated within first schools, providing care and education activities for children between 3 to 5 years old. As staff, you help plan and organise educational and care activities that ensure children learn through play.
Open during the whole school day (8.30am-3.30pm) with different children attending each session (morning or afternoon). Units will have a teacher and an assistant with a level 3 qualification in Early Years.
For a first hand account of working in this field check out our case study on Nursery Units.
Neighbourhood Nurseries
These are privately run day nurseries set up in disadvantaged areas with the help of government funding. Subsidised places are available to the children of people from disadvantaged areas. Some will also include Out of School Clubs.
Neighbourhood Nurseries are staffed by Early Years and Play workers depending on the children attending. These nurseries adopt opening hours catering to parents or carers working full time. Poole has two Neighbourhood Nurseries, in Alderney and Hamworthy. For further information contact Poole Children's Information Service.
Playgroups/Pre-schools
Normally open for fours hours each session, morning and afternoon, during school term time. Pre-schools are run either by the community or privately. You will have an Early Years qualification, planning and organising educational and care activities, allowing children to learn through play.
For a first hand account of working in this field check out our case study on Pre-schools
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