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If you’re interested in exploring careers in childcare further, there are several online courses available. These resources are free of charge, and in most instances, you can download certificates to showcase your completion.

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We have a wide range of early years and childcare resources available to download and share.

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Introduction to childcare | WeCare Wales

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About the training The Introduction to Childcare course gives an overview of working in childcare and early years. Each course has guest speakers and…

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How can I progress in my childcare career?

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How can I progress in my childcare career?

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In early years and childcare, your career journey is filled with possibilities for growth and advancement. Regardless of your starting point, there are numerous avenues for progression, ensuring that your skills and passion can lead to new opportunities.

Do qualifications relevant to your role

There are a variety of qualifications at different levels in childcare.

You could access Welsh government-funded apprenticeship qualifications through a learning provider or college. Your employer might also cover the costs of these qualifications, making them more accessible and affordable for you.

Types of progression

Sideway Moves: Explore diverse job roles, which may involve working in different settings or with varied age groups of children. This could include moving from a nursery setting to a primary school, or from a childminding role to a playwork position.

Upward Shifts: Move into positions with greater responsibilities, requiring further skills, knowledge, and qualifications. For instance, you can progress from being an early years educator to becoming a childcare manager or an early years teacher, with potential to take on leadership roles such as managing a nursery or leading early years education in schools.

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Social Care Wales work with people who use care and support services and organisations to lead improvement in social care in Wales

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Steps to Qualifications

Choose Your Path:

Explore the framework to find qualifications that align with your desired role. Examples include Level 2 or 3 Diplomas in Children's Care, Play, Learning and Development, and higher-level qualifications for leadership roles.

Funding Options:

Your employer may be committed to sponsoring and funding your entry-level qualifications, ensuring that you have the support to pursue and attain your qualification. In some regions, additional funding and grants may be available to support your training.

Find a Learning Provider:

Explore various options such as in-house training, local colleges, or online platforms. Local colleges provide a diverse range of childcare qualifications, or you can pursue them while working in the sector. For example, Social Care Wales lists approved training providers and courses that can help you achieve your qualifications.

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What job roles can I do in early years & childcare?

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What job roles can I do in early years & childcare?

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Explore the diverse job roles in early years and childcare. As you progress through qualifications, you can take on a variety of responsibilities and opportunities available across various levels within this field. From roles such as nursery assistant, early years educator, and playworker, to more advanced positions like childcare manager or early years teacher, the childcare sector offers a wide range of career paths that cater to different interests and skill levels.

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Social Care Wales work with people who use care and support services and organisations to lead improvement in social care in Wales

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If you have the desire to help children learn and develop, and you’re aged 16 or older, there’s a place for you in early years and childcare.

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This resource has been created to support anyone interested in finding out more about a career in Early Years and Childcare. It can be used by students, job seekers, those considering a change of direction, or anyone looking to progress in the sector.

It highlights the range of job opportunities within the childcare sector and explains how you can get into and progress in a career in early years and childcare.

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Invest in your knowledge & skills

Your journey in early years and play is not just a job; it’s a continuous exploration of possibilities. By investing in your skills and embracing new challenges, you can shape a fulfilling and impactful career in the vibrant early years and childcare sector.

Adapting to change

Early years and childcare is an ever-evolving field, adapting to the diverse needs of children and their developmental stages. The goal is to support children's growth, learning, and well-being in various settings, from nurseries and playgroups to schools and community centres. This dynamic environment has created new roles that combine childcare and educational expertise.

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Jump to content

Information and guidance on finding a qualification

Information and guidance on finding a qualification for different job roles within social care and regulated childcare in Wales, what the criteria for including qualifications are and how it can support professional development.

How to use the qualification finder

The qualification finder can be used to find:

the required or recommended qualifications in a service area

the required or recommended qualifications for a job role

what induction is required

what will be useful or required for updating, maintaining and progressing skills and knowledge.

The qualification finder can also help:

raise staff knowledge, competence and confidence

make sure people hold appropriate qualifications during recruitment

set service standards during commissioning

standardise training and assessments that are being commissioned and provided

the development and agreement of an organisation's policies

succession planning for crucial people in services

personal development and progression planning for staff

workforce planning and career advice

the checking of older qualifications and those from other UK nations

inspection and regulation of services by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)

quality assuring and monitoring by commissioners or responsible individuals.

For some job roles and service areas there are specific requirements for practice:

the qualifications required by regulations, legislation and national minimum standards (NMS) in social care or early years childcare

the qualifications workers and managers are required to have to register with us.

Other services and roles where these requirements do not apply (non-regulated roles) have recommended qualifications. These will ensure people have appropriate and transferable qualifications, knowledge and skills.

What criteria is used for including qualifications

The required qualifications, which should all be available bilingually, have been agreed with a range of partners to reflect the needs and principles below. These are known as "design principles":

based on the National Occupational Standards that are appropriate to the needs of the sector

competence is assessed in the workplace

subject to external verification

based on reliable and robust demonstration of employer and service needs

can be aligned to qualifications frameworks across the UK

have a structure that allows progression routes, as well as opportunities to study breadth and/or depth of knowledge and skill

can respond flexibly to the needs of the sector and its learners, including delivery models, language and accessibility

recognise different types of learning, knowledge, skills and competence.

How do the induction frameworks fit in?

There are two main induction frameworks for the workforce, the All Wales induction framework for early years and childcare and the All Wales induction framework for health and social care (AWIF).

All Wales induction framework for early years and childcare

The framework provides a structure for a common understanding to induction and outlines the knowledge and skills new workers should meet in their first six months of employment. There is a requirement within current regulations and National Minimum Standards for Regulated Childcare for children up to the age of 12 years that all practitioners should receive induction training, which includes health and safety, and child protection policies and procedures, during their first week of employment.

Who should complete this induction framework?

Regardless of whether they are employed full time, part time, sessional or as a volunteer, the induction framework should be completed by workers who:

are new to the early years childcare sector

are new to an organisation or setting

are undertaking a new role

have previous experience in a different sector

are returning after a career break, or

are a current member of staff as a tool to support continuing professional development.

If the worker has been employed previously, they do not need to complete the full induction framework, but they may be required to complete some parts of it.

Find more information about the induction framework for early years and childcare.

All Wales induction framework for health and social care (AWIF)

The framework creates a firm basis for new workers to help them develop their practice and future careers, in and across the health and social care sectors. It also provides a clear understanding of the knowledge, skills and values that are needed to make sure new workers are safe and competent to practice at this stage of their development. The induction framework is designed for social care workers and healthcare support workers. It covers care and support for adults, and children and young people. The induction framework has the same learning outcomes as those included in the health and social care 'core' qualification.

Who should complete this induction framework?

Regardless of whether they are employed full time, part time, sessional or as a volunteer, the induction framework should be completed by workers who:

are new to the sector

are new to an organisation or setting

are undertaking a new role

have previous experience in a different sector

are returning after a career break, or

are a current member of staff as a tool to support continuing professional development.

If the worker has been employed previously, they do not need to complete the full induction framework again, but they may be required to complete some parts of it to show their competence in their new work setting.

The induction framework has been designed and developed so it can be used by all care and support workers.

Find out more information about the induction framework for health and social care.

Continuing professional development CPD (previously known as PRTL)

Continued personal and professional learning and development (CPD) is the ongoing maintenance and growth of knowledge and skills throughout life. This keeps people motivated, develops specialist skills and underpins high quality care and support services. People may learn new things and how to support more complex ways of working and situations. It can help the achievement of career goals and build confidence and commitment.

CPD can take many forms, including informal methods such as:

a reflection on your own work and what could be done differently

watching a demonstration

'buddying' or shadowing a more experienced or specialist person (including a carer or individual using the service)

research and reading.

More formal methods might be:

attending a course or conference

completing a qualification

completing a specialist unit or pathway from the qualifications

e-learning and webinars

coaching or mentoring

taking part in action learning sets.

CPD is a requirement of a person's registration with us and is expected by service regulations. There may be a minimum amount of updating and development that must be shown.

Find out more information about CPD.

Resources for further guidance and support include:

Qualifications that are not included

Playwork

Those working in regulated childcare settings with children between the ages of five to 12 years old may need to complete a playwork qualification to meet NMS and regulatory requirements.

You can find more information at:

There are specific requirements for managers from September 2021. Where a childcare setting provides for children between the ages of 0 to 12 years, the person in charge should hold both:

a level 3 childcare qualification recognised on the qualification framework, and

a level 3 playwork qualification or a smaller award.

The person in charge of a registered play setting for children up to the age of 12 years should hold:

a level 3 playwork qualification.

The person in charge of a holiday play scheme should hold:

a level 3 playwork qualification.

Non-supervisory staff who are included in the ratios of qualified staff will also need to undertake a Level 2 playwork qualification.

In respect of childminders, there are no changes to the requirement to complete an appropriate pre-registration course as this already takes account of the needs of older children.

Equivalence and prior learning

A qualification already held by a worker may seem the same or similar to one listed in this framework. We will not be able to check this for each person, only those who are required to register. Only the qualifications in this framework are accepted in Wales as required or recommended, but alternative qualifications or previous learning you have could go a long way towards meeting the requirements.

Awarding Bodies may be able to help you match evidence of learning against what is required by the qualifications in this framework. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Where a worker wants to gain employment in Wales and there is a required qualification for registration, but their qualification is not listed in this framework they can apply to us for an assessment of equivalence if they meet the following criteria:

the qualification is based on competence, such as the National Occupational Standards (NOS) relevant to the role

the person has been assessed in the workplace

the person must have been in a relevant role while the qualification was undertaken

the person must have been in a relevant setting while the qualification was undertaken.

Qualifications gained outside Wales

There are differences between the qualifications on offer across the UK nations. We work with UK partners to ensure there are no unnecessary barriers to the portability of qualifications and workers across UK borders.

Workers who have gained their qualification in Wales but wish to work in another UK country will need to contact the relevant Sector Skills Council for advice. They are:

England

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Contact us

If you have a question or if you can't find what you are looking for get in touch with us.

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Information and guidance on finding a qualification

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Information and guidance on finding a qualification for different job roles within social care and regulated childcare in Wales, what the criteria for including qualifications are and how it can support professional development.

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Home-based Childcare Roles Playgroup, Cylch Meithrin Roles Day nurseries and crèches provide an essential service to working parents by offering...

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Patience & kindness

Nurturing attitude

Playfulness & creativity

Responsiveness & attentiveness

Respect for each child

Commitment to safety & development

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Introduction to Childcare:

This free two-day training course is available to anyone residing in Wales who is interested in a childcare career. The training includes essential information on safe working practices and child-centered approaches. For more details or to register your interest, visit WeCare Wales.

Level 2 Core Qualifications:

The Level 2 core qualifications are designed for individuals aged 16 and over who aim to work in childcare, play, and early years roles as assistants. This qualification provides the foundational knowledge required to work in these settings but does not include supervisory responsibilities. You can pursue this qualification at a further education college or through a school sixth form if available.

Level 3 Children's Care, Play, Learning and Development:

To work in childcare in either an unsupervised or supervisory capacity, you must obtain a Level 3 qualification. This practice-based qualification assesses your skills, knowledge, and abilities in a childcare setting.

You will learn about:

Health, well-being, learning, and development

Professional practice

Safeguarding children

Health and safety

Child development

Speech, language, and communication

Supporting children's nutrition and hydration

Level 4 Preparing for Leadership and Management in Children's Care, Play, Learning and Development:

If you have completed a Level 3 CCPLD or hold an equivalent qualification listed by Social Care Wales (such as for a daycare or creche deputy manager), you might consider advancing to a Level 4 qualification.

A Level 4 qualification:

Serves as a stepping stone for those intending to pursue a Level 5 qualification.

Is designed to develop the key knowledge and understanding needed for leadership and management roles in the Children's Care, Play, and Early Years sector. It can be completed without currently being in a leadership role.

Covers topics such as leading child-centered practice, theoretical frameworks for leadership and management, and how to lead and manage effective team performance.

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You’re warm, caring, and playful in your approach

You’re reliable, trustworthy, and put children’s needs first

You take time to listen, observe, and understand each child

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The Code of Professional Practice outlines the standards care workers in Wales must follow. Its purpose is to ensure the safety and well-being of children receiving care and support.

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Employers seek various skills, and while specific roles may require particular ones, there are essential skills all childcare workers should have; these are called core skills. These skills are outlined in the Induction Framework for early years and childcare, which serves as a guideline for the skills and knowledge expected in the sector. If individuals lack certain skills, employers can provide support for them to acquire these skills while in their roles.

English skills

Number skills

Digital skills

Employability skills

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Induction framework for early years and child care

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Progress logs, workbooks, resources and a glossary to help you implement the all Wales induction framework for early years and child care.

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Pathways to start your care career:

Educational courses

Enrol in courses at school, college, or a training institution to deepen your understanding of childcare and acquire relevant knowledge and skills. Some courses may include work experience, providing a pathway to a role in the sector. Some care providers also offer pre-employment training.

Apprenticeship

Apply for a childcare apprenticeship to gain practical experience, achieve a qualification, and earn a wage. Apprenticeships typically last between 12 months and two years and include a combination of on-the-job learning, where you work directly with clients and colleagues, and off-the-job learning, which may involve classroom training or workshops. This comprehensive approach helps you develop your skills and knowledge effectively.

Apply for advertised vacancies

Explore different roles in childcare. Before applying, consider the roles you are interested in. Keep an eye on local authority websites, private sector websites or national recruitment platforms such as the 'WeCare Wales' jobs portal for advertised vacancies.

Volunteering or work experience

If you're new to childcare and want to explore the field, consider volunteering or gaining work experience. Your school, college, or job centre may assist you, or you can contact organisations directly.

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If you are not sure about a career in care, try the WeCare Wales learning resource to see what a career in childcare is like. Once you’ve completed two of the challenges, you'll receive a personal profile that can help you decide if childcare is right for you.

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Home | How to work in social care and child care | WeCare Wales

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Advice about working in social care with adults and children in Wales, including the qualifications you need and links to care jobs near you

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Why choose a career in early years and childcare?

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Why choose a career in early years and childcare?

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Dive into the realm of early years and childcare, a dynamic sector that offers rewarding careers and a variety of job roles.

Why?

The goal of early years and childcare is to provide the best possible start for children, supporting their development, well-being, and independence.

Who?

As a childcare practitioner, you’ll work with a diverse group of children, including those with varying abilities, backgrounds, and needs. From toddlers to preschoolers, your role is crucial in shaping their early experiences.

Where?

Early years and childcare services are delivered in a range of settings, including nurseries, preschools, childminders’ homes, and community centres.

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Join PACEY to connect with a supportive community of childcare professionals. Together, we enhance the quality of early years education.

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We're passionate about giving every child the opportunity to play, learn and grow in Welsh.

By giving the Welsh language to the young children of Wales, we hope to unify a nation and build a vibrant, open and multi-cultural Welsh community.

Our Story

Mudiad Meithrin (formerly Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin) was first established in 1971 in order to nurture a rich landscape of Welsh-medium play and learning experiences for children from birth to school-age.

As a voluntary organisation passionate about celebrating and encouraging the use of the Welsh language, we have grown considerably over the years and continue to positively influence the lives of children in Wales.

The collective passion, drive and care so apparent within our organisation continues to inspire, encourage and nourish the newest generations within Wales; generations that will thrive due to their sense of belonging, confidence and pride in their abilities and heritage.

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Homepage - Mudiad Meithrin - Welsh-medium playgroups

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Mudiad Meithrin - Welsh-medium playgroups - Welsh Early Years Specialists - Childcare training courses - Welsh-medium care and education