CGC Ebook 5.0

Childcare

Sector Outlook Working within childcare you may be directly involved in looking after young children or have a regulatory role that does not always involve direct contact. The majority of workers in the sector are female with the many being qualified to level 2 or level 3. There are 23,000 day care centres, 40,000 registered childminders and estimated 100,000 nannies. Under the new childcare reforms the government expects more than 85,000 new places will be needed and an extra 40,000 staff. However, the sector continues to have significant difficulties with 60% of operators turnover given to staff wages. T he industry continues to struggle to retain staff or make profit. Occupancy in poor areas is around 50% with many parents keeping children at home or being unable to find placements. Those most at risk are smaller businesses in less wealthy communities that depend on the extra income from rap around care. Expect to see smaller business taken over by the larger chains and with changes in planning you could find more business taking up empty high street retail spaces. Work opportunities can be found in full day care, child minding, crèches, sessional care, out of school and holiday play schemes, family centres, nursery classes and reception classes. You will improve your chances of gaining employment if you can prove to employers that you can develop a good relationship with adults and children alike, show resilience when dealing with demanding children, demonstrate good communication and listening skills, and show empathy. It will also help if you have good number and IT skills. When looking for work don’t forget that a variety of organisations actively recruit childcare practitioners. In addition to nurseries , childminders and schools consider applying to the National Health Service or to holiday companies operating abroad. Recruitment websites such as Nursery World Jobs (www.nurserynursejobs. co.uk) feature many vacancies and feature key employers such as Bright Horizons, Treetop Nurseries, ClubMed, Thompsons, JEM Childcare Solutions and many more. Use the www.childcare.co.uk website to find local businesses in your area. Whenever possible take the opportunity to work on a voluntary basis as a means of gaining relevant experience and to show that you have genuine interest in the welfare of children.