Childminders

• usually work in their own home
• look after up to six children under eight (including their own). no more than three of the six children should be under five and normally no more than one child can be under one
• need to undertake an introductory childminding course and first aid training within six month of registering

Early years care and education workers (or nursery nurses or nursery officers)

• work in different settings such as local authority nursery schools or classes, private day schools, voluntary sector nurseries, child and family centres, community nurseries
• need to hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3

Nursery assistants

• work in the same settings as early years care and education workers, but in a more junior role
• may hold appropriate ealry years qualifications at level 2

Pre-school and playgroup leaders

• supervise staff on a day-to-day basis, plan the programme of activities and report to the pre-school or playgroup chair or owner
• the emphasis of the work is on the learning part and parental involvement in all aspects is promoted
• the most appropriate qualifications are NVQ at level 3 in Early Years Care and Education, or CACHE level 3 diploma in Pre-School practice

Pre-school and playgroup assistants

• work in the same settings under the supervision of the pre-school and playgroup leader
• NVQ level 2 in Early Years Care and Education/CACHE level 2 Certificate in Pre-School Practice is considered the most appropriate qualification for this work

Teaching/classroom assistants

• support teachers in nursery, primary, secondary and special schools
• local employers decide what qualifications, skills and experiences are necessary
• there are national occupational standards and national vocational qualifications specifically for teaching assistants

Learning support assistants (also Special Needs Assistant or Special Needs Auxiliaries)

• work in primary school and provide in-school-support for pupils with special needs/ disabilities
• no formal qualifications are required in many cases although previous experience will normally be an asset, but there are national occupational standards and national vocational qualifications for support assistants as with teaching assistants

Out-of-school childcare and playworkers

• often work in breakfast clubs, after school clubs, or holiday play schemes
• activities offered can include sports, art and creative activities
• although half of the staff must have a playwork qualification there are jobs where no formal qualification is necessary

Senior playworkers

• work with children in the 5-15 age range
• manage the provision on-site and provide a range of safe and developmental play opportunities
• a range of training and qualifications is available including the NVQ in Playwork at level 3

Assistant playworker

• support senior playworker
• there is no national requirement to hold a formal qualification

Source: Early Years NTO 2003 and Playwork Unit 2002

Source: Eborall 2003, chapter 5.6.