Types of Jobs Working With Children
Discover the types of jobs working with children, from teaching to healthcare, plus how to start your career in childcare and education.
Introduction
Working with children can be one of the most rewarding career paths you can choose. Whether you’re helping them learn, supporting their health, or guiding them through life’s challenges, these roles have a real and lasting impact on the children you work with. From teaching and childcare to healthcare and specialist support, there are many different types of jobs working with children to suit a wide range of skills and interests.
If you’re considering a career in this field, it’s important to understand the options available, what skills and qualities you’ll need, and the pathways that can help you get started. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common jobs working with children and share practical tips to take your first steps into the childcare industry.
First Steps to Working With Children
Before diving into specific job roles, it’s worth thinking about the basics. Working with children is rewarding, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Here are some of the first steps to consider if you’re thinking about this career path:
- Understand your motivation: Ask yourself why you want to work with children. Do you enjoy teaching, caring, or supporting others? Knowing your motivation will help you choose the right type of role, whether that’s in education, healthcare, or social care.
- Build the right skills: Employers often look for qualities such as patience, empathy, good communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Many of these skills can be developed through everyday experiences, volunteering, or part-time work.
- Check basic requirements: In the UK, most jobs involving children require a DBS check to ensure you’re safe to work with vulnerable groups of people. Some roles may also require specific qualifications, which is worth researching before you’re set on your career path.
- Gain experience: Practical experience is invaluable when working with children, and a lot of jobs look for previous work experience in the sector. Volunteering at schools, nurseries, youth clubs, or charities can give you a taste of working with children and help you decide which roles suit you best. Check out our blog on how to get work experience in childcare to learn more.
Taking these steps will not only prepare you for formal training and qualifications, but also give you the confidence to move forward in your career.
Types of Jobs Working With Children
There are many different ways to build a career working with children, and the best role for you will depend on your skills, interests, and training. Below are some of the main areas to consider:
Education & Learning - If you enjoy helping children learn and grow, a role in education could be a great fit.
- Teacher – Work in early years, primary, or secondary schools to deliver lessons and inspire learning.
- Teaching Assistant – Support teachers in the classroom, providing one-to-one help for children who need extra support.
- Nursery Worker – Care for young children, helping with early learning, play, and development.
- After-School or Holiday Club Leader – Organise activities that keep children active and engaged outside school hours.
Healthcare & Support - These roles focus on children’s physical and mental wellbeing.
- Paediatric Nurse – Provide medical care for babies, children, and young people in hospitals or clinics.
- Child Psychologist – Support children struggling with mental health or behavioural challenges.
- Speech and Language Therapist – Help children develop communication skills and overcome speech difficulties.
- Play Therapist – Use play-based techniques to support children in expressing emotions and coping with trauma.
Social Care & Community - If you’re passionate about protecting children and supporting families, this sector may appeal to you.
- Social Worker – Safeguard children and young people, supporting them through difficult circumstances.
- Youth Worker – Work with young people in the community, helping them develop life skills and stay on a positive path.
- Residential Care Worker – Support children living in care homes or residential settings.
- Foster Carer – Provide a safe and nurturing home for children who cannot live with their families.
How to Get Started Working With Children
If you’re interested in starting a career working with children, apprenticeships are one of the best ways to gain the skills and experience you need. They allow you to learn on the job, gain qualifications, and build a career in childcare, education, or family support.
Here are some of the apprenticeship pathways available:
Early Years Apprenticeships
- Level 2 Early Years Practitioner – A perfect entry point into childcare, giving you the skills to support young children’s learning and development.
- Level 3 Early Years Educator – Take on more responsibility with planning activities and supporting children’s progress.
- Level 3 Early Years Educator Men in Childcare – A specialist apprenticeship encouraging more men to enter the early years sector.
- Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner – Designed for those ready to lead practice, mentor others, and take on senior responsibilities in early years settings.
Childcare & Education Apprenticeships
- Level 3 Teaching Assistant – Learn how to support teachers and pupils in the classroom.
- Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant – Focus on advanced skills, including supporting children with special educational needs (SEN).
- Level 4 Children, Young People & Families Practitioner – Train to provide care and support for children and families in community or care settings.
- Level 5 Children, Young People & Families Manager – Aimed at those who want to step into leadership roles, managing teams and services that work with children and families.
These apprenticeships give you a clear route into jobs working with children, whether you’re just starting out or looking to progress into a leadership role.
Tips for Getting Started
If you’re considering a career working with children, one of the best ways to begin is by volunteering. Getting involved with local schools, nurseries, or youth groups allows you to gain first-hand experience, understand the realities of the role, and build confidence in working with children of different ages. Even a small amount of volunteer work can make your CV stand out and show employers your commitment.
Another useful step is to take online courses in areas such as safeguarding or child psychology. These short, accessible courses not only help you develop valuable knowledge but also demonstrate that you’re serious about building the right skills for a childcare or education career.
Networking can also play a big role in getting started. Talking to professionals who already work in education, healthcare, or childcare can give you a clearer picture of the different career paths available. They can often provide guidance, share their experiences, and point you toward opportunities you might not have considered.
Finally, it’s important to research career progression and training options. From apprenticeships to university routes, there are many different ways into this field. Looking into funding support and mapping out the qualifications you’ll need will help you take your first steps with confidence and a clear plan for the future.
Conclusion
There are countless opportunities for building a career working with children, from apprenticeships and entry-level roles to specialist positions in healthcare, education, and social care. Each pathway offers the chance to develop different skills, but all share one thing in common — the ability to make a real difference in young lives.
While these careers can be challenging, especially when working with children who have additional needs, they are also some of the most rewarding. Supporting children as they learn, grow, and overcome obstacles can give you a sense of purpose that few other jobs provide.
The most important step is simply to start. Whether that means volunteering, enrolling in a training course, or applying for an entry-level role, every experience you gain will move you closer to a fulfilling career. With the right training and a passion for supporting children, you can build a future that is both meaningful and impactful.
Both the Impact Futures and The Childcare Company brands are used interchangeably for both Impact Futures Training Limited and The Child Care Company (Old Windsor) Limited.