These stories show that there is a career in childcare waiting for any individual who is passionate about children's development.
Location: Monmouthshire
What made you want to work in childcare?
I grew up around childcare settings as my mother had run her own setting so being able to go in and experience it from an early age gave me the bug for wanting to work in childcare. Also, the idea that every day would be different from the last, and not being sat behind a desk from 9-5 was very appealing.
What opportunities are available for you to develop your career?
There are lots of opportunities available. I started by competing my level 3 CCLD with ACT Training , progressing to level 5 and then a part time degree at the university of South Wales in Early Years whilst working in a childcare setting. Since then, I worked as a setting leader for a childcare company providing Flying Start childcare and progressed in that same company to operations manager, responsible for running up to 6 childcare settings day to day. I also completed the learning and development level 3 qualification with TAQA and am now also a qualified childcare assessor and freelance for the Early Years Wales Quality for All scheme as a Quality Verifier.
What is the best part about working in childcare?
The children we get to care for, develop and progress. Being able to see the changes we as childcare practitioners can make and the impacts that we can have on the child going forward.
Location: Ceredigion
What made you want to work in childcare?
I wanted to give back how the LSA's helped me, they inspired me to do childcare and that I was told there wasn't many male role models.
What opportunities are available for you to develop your career?
There have been many opportunities to develop my skills such as
- ALN courses which I enjoy going on
- Outdoor courses learning new and exciting activities
The manager gives all staff an opportunity to go on something new which can be implemented to the playgroup.
What is the best part about working in childcare?
The best part of childcare is that I can be involved with the children's development and involving them in imaginative story telling which has been a big success.
Location: Ceredigion
What made you want to work in childcare?
I had an excellent teacher in school that inspired me to want to go into teaching. After completing my teacher training I applied for a job in the nursery to keep me working with children while I looked for a teaching job. However, I soon realised how fun and rewarding a job in early years was and decided to pursue a career in this sector instead.
What opportunities are available for you to develop your career?
I began working as a part time nursery nurse and from there I have progressed to full time nursery nurse, room leader, assistant manager and now full time manager so there has been lots of opportunities to progress as well as numerous training opportunities to continue my professional development.
What is the best part about working in childcare?
The children. It goes without saying but they are the reason we do this job. No 2 days are ever the same and to see them grow and develop new skills is fantastic and to hear the funny things that come out of their mouths makes my day.