Working with children offers a wide range of career opportunities and is probably more diverse than you might think. So if you are interested working with or caring for children we can advise you of the best options, whether in jobs, training or careers. Our team is dedicated to help you to realise your ambitions. 

It is important to be aware of the training and support available. Please refer to the training section to look at the courses and professional development programme planned in the coming months. We do encourage you to seek independent advice about qualifications as these need to reflect your interest and circumstances. It has been proven that the quality of Childcare provision is directly linked to practitioner qualifications. In Essex we are aiming to have 80% of our childcare workforce trained to a level 3 by 2010. Many candidates applying for jobs are of a very high calibre, so the ability to evidence qualifications, knowledge and transferable skills will enhance your chances as competition increases.  

There are two main ways to train towards a qualification: you can study while working, or take a course of study before job searching. There are some trainee positions for unqualified staff, these are usually if an employer is an accredited training organisation. As you might expect these attract a high number of applicants. 

In Essex, we work collaboratively with a number of internal and external agencies so that training is of a consistently high quality. We promote Continual Personal Development (CPD) - this is essential in keeping up to date with current legislation and research. CPD includes First Aid, Safeguarding Children, Equal Opportunities; working with children with disabilities and caring for looked-after children.

Our Schools, Children and Families workforce team are developing ways to coordinate the many career and progression pathways that working with Children offers. Perhaps you have not previously considered foster caring. In Essex we are striving to ensure that our most vulnerable and at risk children are able to have acces to the right care and support to achieve some stability in their lives. If you would like to find out more please contact our Social Care team who would be delighted to hear from you:

Adoption and Fostering: click here.

Social Care: click here

We would also like to make you aware of the opportunities in Essex Schools. To find out more please follow the Schools link on the toolbar above.

For careers and job opportunities in Early Years and Childcare:
Please call: 01245 445272 or email workingwithchildren@essexcc.gov.uk.