Early years practitioner
Work with babies and young children from birth until primary school age, helping them learn in a safe, happy environment.
Also known as: nursery worker, nursery teacher, nursery nurse, nursery assistant
About the job
A day in the life – Early years practitioner
What it's like
Do you love the idea of working with babies and young children every day? As an early years practitioner, you'll help them learn in a safe and happy environment.
You'll work with children from birth until primary school age. Sometimes, you'll act as a key worker for one or more young people. This means you'll keep a close eye on their progress and give regular updates to their parents or carers.
Some early years practitioners have an area of expertise. For example, you could specialise in working with children who have physical disabilities, learning difficulties or mental health issues.
You'll work in local authority childcare settings or privately-owned nurseries.
Your tasks might include:
planning and running activities for children such as arts and crafts, music and cooking
reading stories and doing maths-based games to help children learn language and counting skills
writing notes about the children's progress, so you can give reports to their parents or carers
making sure the national guidance on early years education is reflected in the children’s learning
keeping the children safe and well at all times, reporting any concerns to the nursery manager
looking after the children in your care, feeding and changing them if needed
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Disclosure Scotland – learn more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme
National Day Nurseries Association – explore early years careers in Scotland
Scottish Social Services Council – learn about Professional Registration and Scottish Standards for Childhood Practice
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Early years practitioner'
Select qualification level(s)
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- developing a plan
- observation
- creative
- verbal communication
- listening
- supporting
- mediating
- cooperating
- building relationships
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Care
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Childcare and Development
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Human Biology
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Psychology
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Skills for Work: Early Education and Childcare
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services Children and Young People
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are a few routes you can take to become an early years practitioner.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include Childhood Practice and Social Services.
Use the My World of Work course search to find HNCs and HNDs.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You may want to consider a GA in Early Learning and Childcare.
Work
You can become an early years practitioner by getting an entry-level job in a nursery and working your way up. Volunteering at a nursery can sometimes help you land a job there, where the staff will help you gain qualifications you need to build a career in the industry.
Use the My World of Work job search to look for vacancies.
All early years practitioners must be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, run by Disclosure Scotland.
Any practitioner working with children who are not yet at primary school must be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). To register, you have to meet or be willing to work towards the required qualifications.
Getting work experience in a relevant childcare role is essential to build the skills and experience you’ll need to become an early years practitioner. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Anybody who is a qualified teacher and works in early learning and childcare must be registered with the General Teaching Council of Scotland.
You might need to be at least 17 years old to start some college courses.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Early years practitioner'
