Career Pathways in Childcare: From Apprentice to Setting Manager

The childcare and early years education sector in the UK is a vital part of the nation's social and economic infrastructure - and it's growing fast. With the government's 30-hour free childcare offer expanding to cover children from nine months to school age by 2025, the country will need tens of thousands of new early years professionals to meet rising demand.

For anyone who loves working with children and wants a career with purpose, progression, and long-term stability, childcare offers a wealth of opportunities. You can start straight from school or as a career changer and work your way up to managing your own nursery or leading a team of practitioners. Here's how that journey can look.

Apprenticeships and Entry-Level Roles

Many people begin their childcare career through an apprenticeship. This route allows you to earn while you learn, combining practical experience in a nursery or early years setting with structured training.

Common starting routes:

• Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship - suitable for school leavers or those new to childcare.
• Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship - a step up for those who want to take on more responsibility and work independently with children.

Both levels focus on understanding child development, play-based learning, health and safety, and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Apprentices typically spend four days a week in a nursery and one day studying with a training provider.

Training costs are usually covered by government funding, and apprentices are paid at least the national apprenticeship wage. It's a practical, debt-free route into a meaningful profession.

Progressing Through Qualifications

As you gain experience, you can build on your qualifications and take on more responsibility. The main qualification levels are:

The Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) is the equivalent of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) but focused on children aged 0-5. This qualification opens doors to leadership and training roles within nurseries, schools, and local authorities.

Many practitioners study part-time while continuing to work - meaning you can progress without taking a career break.

Reaching Leadership: From Room Leader to Setting Manager

Once qualified to Level 3 or above, practitioners often move into leadership roles.

• Room Leaders supervise staff within specific age groups, plan activities, and ensure high standards of care.

• Deputy Managers oversee the day-to-day running of the setting, manage staff rotas, and support with Ofsted requirements.

• Setting or Nursery Managers take full responsibility for operations - including budgets, compliance, and parental engagement.

Some managers go on to become area managers, supporting multiple settings, or move into training, inspection, or policy roles.

Skills for Success

Successful early years professionals share a blend of practical, emotional, and leadership skills, including:

• Patience, empathy, and communication

• Teamwork and reliability

• A solid understanding of child development

• Safeguarding, health and safety awareness

• A commitment to continuous professional development (CPD)

Ongoing training is essential - from first aid and safeguarding to SEND support and curriculum planning - and most nurseries support staff with CPD opportunities.

A Career with Purpose and Progression

Working in childcare isn't always easy, but it's one of the few careers where you can see the impact of your work every single day. Whether you start as an apprentice or enter later in life, there's a clear and achievable route to management and beyond.

The UK's childcare sector needs passionate, qualified people - and with funding and training more accessible than ever, there's never been a better time to join.