Is Childcare a Good Career Choice?

Everything you need to know before you apply 

Choosing a Childcare career is more than just a quick online search. And looking up the details in dozens of sites can take up your entire schedule.

In this guide we’ve gathered all the information you need to pick your Childcare career.

What Does a Career in Childcare Involve?

Working in Childcare means supporting children in the most formative years of their life. 

Typical day to day tasks can involve:

A career in Childcare is a hands-on and people focused work. And keep in mind, not every day is going to look the same.   

What Qualifications Do You Need?

You do not need a degree to get started, but the right qualification can expand the roles you are eligible for and gives you access to higher pay.

However, keep the age requirements in mind when choosing your Course Level in Childcare:  

Our Childcare Courses at South London College can take you from your first qualification all the way to becoming a fully qualified practitioner.  

At South London College, Childcare courses are Ofqual regulated, and awarded by NCFE CACHE, Focus Awards as well as Qualifi. 

Can You Study Childcare Around a Job or Family Life?

Yes. Most people considering Childcare are juggling work, family, or both and need something that fits around them. This is exactly what South London College’s courses are built for: 

What to Consider Before You Enrol

Here are a few things worth checking before you enrol: 

Is Childcare a Good Career Choice, Financially?

Here’s a general idea of what a professional certification can pay you, based on real UK Glassdoor data. 

Level 2 Certificate Introducing Caring for Children and Young People

Prepares you for nursery assistant roles. Average UK salary: £23,000 a year (Source: Glassdoor)   

Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (England) (Social Care) – RQF

Leads into nursery nurse or Early Years Educator roles. Average UK salary: £27,000 a year (Source: Glassdoor) 

Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA) – RQF and Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner (RQF) Leads into room leader, deputy manager or nursery manager roles. Average UK salary: £ 34,000 a year (Source: Glassdoor) 

Pay can vary depending on the specific Childcare certification, as well as location, employer and experience. The higher the qualification level, the higher the pay! 

FAQ

Q. Is Childcare a good career choice if I don’t have experience? 

A. Yes. You don’t need prior experience. Childcare Courses at South London College are built for everyone, with or without experience.

Q. Can I progress further after finishing a course?

A. Yes. Our Childcare qualifications support progression to higher-level RQF diplomas, and degree-level study in Early Years or Childcare. 

Q. What jobs can a childcare qualification prepare you for? 

A. The certification can qualify you for roles such as, Nursery Assistant, Nursery Nurse, Early Years Educator, and with further study, room leader or nursery manager. 

Other Resources for You

We conduct free live webinars on qualification paths, career advice, and what to expect before you commit to a course. 

Keep an eye on upcoming sessions at Webinars | South London College.

Start Your Childcare Course with South London College

South London College is an accredited professional certification provider in the UK, offering: 

Ready to get started? Head to South London College for more courses and information. 

Happy Learning!