Other career opportunities in Early Years

Working as a teaching assistant

Working as a teaching assistant involves supporting class teachers with children’s learning on a day-to-day basis. Responsibilities can range from small group work, in-class support, preparing materials and resources and assisting in straightforward marking. In some cases you may also work with children on a one-to-one basis, often if a child has particular special needs (this is also known as a Learning Support Assistant). Qualifications that prepare you for your role as a teaching assistant involve NVQ Levels 2 and 3 for Teaching Assistants. New level 2 and level 3 for Children and Young People’s Workforce could also be useful. For more information on training see the information sheet included in this pack. For more information on finding jobs in this area and for the working with childcare job vacancy list, contact: The Family Information Service 020 7361 3302. For more general information on working as a Teaching Assistant visit : www.education.gov.uk

Working in toy libraries

Toy libraries enable parents and carers to borrow carefully selected toys for children to play with. They are often mobile, and attend weekly sessions at local drop-ins, nursery centres and community centres. If you work in a toy library your job will involve a mixture of carrying out administrative duties, working with parents and carers to support their child’s development and interacting and playing with young children. You do not necessarily have to have any qualifications for working in toy libraries, but experience of working with children and their families will be desirable. You can find out about your nearest toy library from the Family Information Service on 020 7361 3302. Alternatively you can contact the National Association of Toy and Leisure Libraries 020 7255 4600.

Working as a school supervisor

Working as a school lunchtime supervisor involves overseeing and supervising children during lunch time and at playtime. Some of your responsibilities will include helping children who have difficulties, for example with cutting up food, and you will encourage good table manners, supervise children in the playground, deal with minor accidents and manage children’s behaviour. You will have to be willing to work flexibly, work in a supportive role, and work both indoors and outdoors. You do not have to have any qualifications for working as a school lunchtime supervisor, but experience of working with children is desirable. Because you will be working with children, you will need CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) clearance. You can find out about jobs as a school meals assistant by looking through you local paper and at your local job centre. Alternatively contact the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s Family Information Service on 020 7361 3302 for the local working with children job vacancy list.