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How to Become an Early Years Practitioner

The Role of an Early Years Practitioner

An early years practitioner works closely with babies, toddlers or preschoolers, looking after their day-to-day needs like changing and feeding, and also organising age-appropriate activities to stimulate their physical, educational and emotional development.

The roles and responsibilities of early years practitioners are varied and differ between workplaces but here’s a general overview of the duties you can expect:

Monitoring children’s progress and keeping records
Reporting back to parents
Looking after children’s day-to-day physical needs, including feeding, nappy changing, toilet training and administering first aid
Safeguarding children and reporting any concerns
Developing close attachments and fostering trust in the children in your care
Providing a range of fun and stimulating activities, from reading stories to messy play

Early Years Practitioner Skills & Requirements

You can start a career as an Early Years Practitioner by obtaining a relevant qualification such as a Level 2 in Childcare. Each course, qualification and provider will have their own entry requirements for these courses.

Sensitivity and understanding for building good relationships with children
Excellent verbal communication skills for motivating children to learn
Active listening skills to understand the childrens' needs
Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
To be flexible and open to change for working on different activities
To enjoy working with other people
Good time management and report writing skills
Patience and enthusiasm
Imagination and creativity

Early Years Practitioner Salary

The typical salary for an early years practitioner is around £19,000 per year, though starting salaries may be significantly lower, especially in part-time or entry-level roles. The salary can also vary depending on whether you’re working year-round or on a term-time basis, with those in nurseries that operate on school time likely earning less annually than in full-time positions.

Several factors influence an early years practitioner’s income. Location plays a key role – practitioners in areas with a higher cost of living, like London, may earn approximately 25% more than those in other regions.

Experience also has a significant impact. Entry-level practitioners with little experience may earn less, but with time and professional development, earnings can rise to around £24,000 or more. Previous experience in similar roles, such as a nursery assistant, can help secure higher starting pay.

Early Years Practitioner Working Hours

Your hours would normally be 35 to 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Many nurseries are open during school holidays.

Some staff work all year round while some take term holidays.

April - Mid July

The summer term stretches from the end of the Easter break to mid-July.

It includes a half term week long holiday in late May.

This is usually the busiest time, with later students sitting their GCSE’s.

September - December

The academic school year starts in early September, with the term stretching till Christmas.

The winter term is a half term holiday, usually a week long at the end of October.

Most schools have a 2 week end of term holiday stretching over New Year and Christmas.

January - March/April

This is the spring term and stretches from early January to Easter.

Easter usually falls on a different weekend each year, so the end of term two-week break can be either early April or late March.

This term also included a week-long half term break, usually in mid-February.

Early Years Practitioner Career Progression

As an experienced early years practitioner, you could specialise in supporting children with learning difficulties, physical disabilities, or support children who face emotional or behavioural challenges or require additional support for mental health concerns.

You could pursue a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification or an Early Years Lead Practitioner Higher Apprenticeship.

Further study toward a higher education qualification in early years or child development could open up opportunities for you to move into management or early years teaching.