Early years teacher

As an early years teacher, you'll:

• plan and prepare activities, materials and lessons
•  teach children in a safe and positive environment
•  speak to parents and carers about their children’s development
•  monitor children’s progress and report any issues
•  work with colleagues on curriculum planning
•  supervise nursery workers, teaching assistants and volunteer helpers

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• working towards this role

Once qualified, you could:

• move into management of a nursery or group of nurseries
•  work as a supply teacher
•  do further training to become a primary school teacher or play therapist
•  move into teaching early years courses at university