Working with children offers a diverse range of job roles and career opportunities. Our Recruitment team is committed to provide you with the best information, advice and guidance whether in jobs, training or careers. 

Studies show that the quality of Childcare provision is directly linked to practitioner qualifications. In Essex we have dedicated personnel proactively working with Childcare businesses to encourage ways to develop practitioner skills. Please refer to the training section to find out about these opportunities planned in the coming months. We do suggest that you seek independent advice to  make sure that any training reflects your interest and circumstances. It is the aim to have 80% of the Essex childcare workforce qualified to level 3 by 2010. 

The calibre of applicants is now of a consistently high level, so the ability to evidence qualifications, knowledge and transferable skills will enhance your chances as competition for jobs continues to increase.  

Qualifications can be obtained through a course of study before job searching or by 'on the job' assessment such as an NVQ. There are occasional trainee positions for unqualified staff, notably if an employer is also 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 to ensure that training is of a consistently high standard. We promote Continual Personal Development (CPD) - this is essential in keeping up to date with current legislation and research. Examples of CPD include First Aid, Safeguarding Children, Equal Opportunities; Inclusion as well as training focussed on areas of business management.

The Schools, Children and Families workforce team are collaboratively developing ways to support the many career and progression pathways that working with Children offers. Perhaps you have not previously considered fostering or working in Social Care. In Essex we are striving to ensure that our most vulnerable and at risk children are able to have access to the right care and support. 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 438550 or email workingwithchildren@essexcc.gov.uk.