A childcare assistant is responsible for the welfare of children and is expected to monitor their activity, as well as teach.
Who can I work for?
Childcare assistants can work for nurseries as well as for a self-employed child minder, often looking after children when parents are at work.
Where and when can I work?
As a childcare assistant you can expect to work quite long days, often from 8am to 6pm, depending on whether you look after children in a home, or in a nursery instead.
What can I earn?
In this role, you can expect the salary to dramatically vary depending on the experience and education you have, often working out to be an hourly wage of around £7.00 to £8.50.
What are the benefits?
Some companies give their employees the opportunity to receive health insurance and other benefits, which can increase the hourly rate you would earn.
Are there chances of promotion?
Childcare assistants can progress into many different roles, from teaching assistants to child minders.
What will I be responsible for?
Responsibilities include monitoring and teaching children, assisting their social development, supervising interaction, budgeting, data entry and supervising playtime.
Do I need any experience?
Childcare assistants work in a trusting role, with many different laws, rules and regulations to abide by as a result. Many organisations ask for childcare assistants to have a further education diploma as a minimum.
What attributes are needed?
As a childcare assistant you need to be patient, caring, observant, trusting, honest, enjoy being around children and above all, have an interest in their development.