Early Years
Advice to help decide if a career in Early Learning and Childcare is right for you.
Search our jobs in Early YearsA career that makes a difference
If you enjoy spending time with young children and you’re passionate about helping them grow and learn – then you could have what it takes to work in Early Learning and Childcare.
What's in a typical day?
- Developing children’s skills with activities such as painting, cookery, playing music, number and alphabet games, and outdoor activities
- Encouraging them to learn with stories and sing songs together
- Keeping children safe and well
- Assessing and reporting on how the children are progressing
The pay, hours, and holidays
The salary for an Early Learning and Childcare Practitioner ranges on average between £15-28K per year. The actual figure depends on qualifications, experience, and what sort of nursery you’re working at. Plus there will be opportunities to earn more if you decide to work your way up to manage a nursery.
Nurseries can be open from around 7am in the morning to 6pm at night. Practitioners usually work an eight-hour shift within these times but part-time and flexible hours are widely available. So, if you have your own children, you could find something that fits around your family’s needs.
Those who work full time hours will also be entitled to the 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday a year. Part-time and flexible workers will get these holidays pro rata.
More information can be found on the Child Careers Scotland website.