Full time, part time and flexible working

Working in childcare is very flexible. There are many full and part-time positions available to suit your own lifestyle and family arrangements.

Types of people required

If you're enthusiastic, patient, have a sense of fun and a natural rapport with children, you may have all you need to start your career in childcare or playwork. You will need good communication skills, understanding, a sense of fun, a caring nature, commitment, enthusiasm, patience and stamina.

What are the options?

There are many settings and environments that might interest you:

  • Working in nurseries and pre-schools
  • Playworker – working in an out of school club
  • Registered Childminder
  • Hospital Play Specialist
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Learning Support Assistant

The Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) Website has a section on Types of childcare

Experience and qualifications

You can start some jobs from scratch as many childcare settings will accept unqualified staff. However, gaining qualifications can help you make the most of your skills and help you develop your career prospects.

The PACEY Website has a section on childcare qualifications

What will I earn?

Pay levels are set locally, rather than nationally, and are dependent upon the setting in which you work and the number of hours you work. The better qualified you are, the more responsibility you will be given, which should be reflected in your salary.

Useful links

The PACEY Website has a section on Working in Childcare. Visit their site for more information:

Related websites

Contact us

Early Years, Childcare and Children's Centres Service
10th Floor Civic Centre
London Road
Morden
SM4 5DX

fsd@merton.gov.uk