What does an early years teacher do?
An early years teacher’s primary objective is to nurture children’s abilities, knowledge and social skills. This involves planning activities that contribute to children’s development. Note that these activities need to fit with the guidance of the Curriculum for Excellence, which involves bringing literacy, numeracy, health and well-being into the teaching. The safety of children is also critical in this role. Early years teachers may work closely with social workers and ensure that children are protected. Being an early years teacher is a true vocation. The role has an impact on every child, helps them enjoy learning and gets them ready for the next phase of their life, which is at primary school.
Early years teacher skills and qualifications
Early years teachers spend all day with children. Having stamina and a good sense of humour is necessary for this job. This occupation requires patience and a good level of fitness. The following skills should be kept in mind when trying to identify successful candidates:
- Creativity in finding ways to teach
- A blend of authoritativeness and patience
- An understanding of how children from 0 to 5 years old learn and what encourages their development
- An ability to inspire and enthuse children
- An energetic, resourceful and naturally caring nature
- Good listening and tremendous communication skills
- Stamina and an ability to keep up with children’s energy levels
- A good sense of humour
Early years teacher experience requirements
When nurseries recruit early years teachers, experience is the first thing that is looked into. Relevant experience may include volunteering at a local playgroup or any other type of work that demonstrates that candidates have provided care and support to children and their development. Employers will also look at candidates’ enthusiasm, energy and creativity.
Early years teacher education and training requirements
To train as an early years teacher, candidates need at minimum a GCSE C grade or equivalent in English, maths and science. To be able to work as an early years teacher, Early Years Teacher Status, also called EYTS, is required. Candidates will have to meet the teacher’s standards by completing a training course. There are several routes to this status. An undergraduate degree in early childhood or child development combined with a course placement is an option. Candidates can also take an initial training course after they finish their degree. Another way to meet the teacher’s standards, is to have teaching skills assessed over 3 months. In this instance, a high level of experience is required with children from 0 to 5 years old. Candidates will also need to pass the professional skills tests in numeracy and literacy.
Nursery workers or teaching assistants can move to an early years teacher role by doing a part-time degree in childhood studies or child development.
Early years teacher salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an early years teacher in the United Kingdom is £21,467 per year. As with many jobs, salaries vary depending on the level of experience, the employer, the location and the fluctuation between market demand and jobseekers at the time of the application.
Job description samples for similar positions
Use our Indeed article on how to write a job description here to create the best job description possible for an early years teacher. You can also check for other job description samples that are posted on our site for similar roles.
Early years teacher job description FAQs
What can candidates who have an early years teaching degree be recruited for apart from teaching?
There are many career opportunities for those who have an early years teaching degree. They can work as an education consultant, education mental health practitioner, family support worker, health play specialist, learning mentor or play therapist.
How many hours per week does an early years teacher work?
Full-time early years teachers work an average of 37 to 40 hours a week. Hours may be longer depending on the time of the year and the workload. Typically, classes start between 8:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. and finish around 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Can you recruit an early years teacher part-time?
Early years teachers are recruited by nursery schools. Although it is not common, employers might require part-time positions. It is more frequent that schools require cover for specific term time due to their staff’s absence for sick leave or maternity leave.
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