There is an abundance of opportunities to work with children in the UK. In latest statistics published by the Department of Education, there is an estimated 72,000 childcare providers offering Ofsted registered childcare places, where early years provision is delivered by an estimated 363,400 staff.
Working with children can be highly rewarding and satisfying, requiring specific characteristics such as being patient, having the ability to stay calm in a crisis and having excellent communication and listening skills. Studying towards a childcare qualification can lead to a wide variety of professions, not just working as a childcare practitioner. Take a look at our top 4 most rewarding careers:
- Youth worker
Youth workers usually work in community settings, engaging and supporting young people aged 11-25 through activities, events and other programmes. You will need to be able to build trust and positive relationships with young people, working together to address issues with health, fitness, smoking, drugs, gangs, violence, relationships and bullying. Youth workers start on salaries of around £18,000 and can rise up to over £40,000 for a youth service maanger.
- Play therapist
Play therapists use play as a communication tool to help children understand their world and deal with emotional distress and trauma. You’ll help children (usually aged 3 to 11, but occasionally adolescents) and their families work through difficult life issues and experiences, including abuse, neglect, bereavement and psychological problems. You may be based in settings such as schools, hospitals, clinics and social services. Newly qualified play therapist salaries typically start from £32,000 a year.
- Special Needs Teacher
Special educational needs teachers play a key role in supporting young people who need extra help and guidance with their learning. You may work with individuals who have physical disabilities, sensory impairments, speech and language difficulties, learning difficulties such as dyslexia, conditions such as autism, social, emotional and mental health needs, or have a combination of these difficulties. New entrants to teaching in England and Wales begin on the main salary scale, which starts at £23,720, rising incrementally to £35,008.
- Family support worker
As a family support worker, you’ll offer practical help and emotional support to families experiencing short or long-term difficulties. You’ll typically be employed by local authorities’ social services departments or charitable organisations. You will work with families to address issues such as anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol addiction, bereavement and financial worries. Starting salaries for family support workers are typically between £18,000 and £24,000.
Have you got dreams of pursuing a rewarding career working with children? We are currently open for applications on our popular school leaver Childcare courses. Discover how they can help you towards your dream career.
Department of Education