Question 1

Are there part-time childcare jobs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most childcare positions are part-time. Roles like midday supervisors, playworkers, and breakfast club assistants typically offer just a few hours per day during school terms. Many nursery practitioner and early years educator roles are also available part-time, ranging from 15 to 30 hours weekly.

Part-time childcare work suits those balancing other commitments, whether studying, caring for family, or managing multiple roles. School-based positions often align with the school day, making them popular with parents of school-age children.

Public sector employers, including local authority nurseries, maintained schools, and children's centres regularly advertise part-time childcare vacancies. Browse our current childcare jobs to filter by hours and find part-time roles in your area.

Question 2

Are childcare jobs term-time only?

Accepted Answer

Many childcare jobs are term-time only, particularly school-based roles. Midday supervisors, playworkers, breakfast and after-school club staff, and teaching assistants in nursery settings typically work only during school terms, with holidays off.

However, not all childcare positions follow term-time patterns. Local authority day nurseries and children's centres often operate year-round, meaning early years practitioners in these settings may work throughout the year with standard annual leave.

Term-time working appeals to those wanting school holidays free, though salaries are usually pro-rated to reflect fewer working weeks. Job adverts specify whether roles are term-time only or year-round.

Question 3

Can I get childcare jobs without experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes, several childcare roles welcome applicants without previous experience. Midday supervisor, playworker, and childcare assistant positions often prioritise personal qualities like patience, reliability, and genuine interest in working with children over formal experience.

Many employers offer on-the-job training and support staff to gain qualifications while working. Apprenticeships in Early Years provide another entry route, combining paid work with structured learning.

For nursery practitioner or Early Years educator roles, employers typically require Level 2 or 3 qualifications, though some accept candidates working towards these. Entry-level assistant roles can provide valuable experience to progress into qualified positions.

A DBS check is required for all childcare roles, which employers arrange and fund.

Question 4

Who employs childcare workers in the public sector?

Accepted Answer

Public sector childcare workers are employed by several types of organisations. Local councils run maintained nursery schools, children's centres, and day nurseries, employing nursery practitioners, early years educators, and support staff directly.

Schools are major employers of childcare workers, recruiting midday supervisors, playworkers, breakfast and after-school club staff, and nursery assistants. This includes community schools, academies, and maintained schools across primary and nursery phases.

Other public sector employers include Sure Start centres, family hubs, and local authority early years teams who employ advisory and inclusion roles.

66 Childcare Jobs

Frequently asked questions

66 Childcare Jobs

Frequently asked questions

Are there part-time childcare jobs?down

Are childcare jobs term-time only?down

Can I get childcare jobs without experience?down

Who employs childcare workers in the public sector?down