Level 1 Diploma in Caring for Children

Primary School Teacher

In this job you will help to give young children the best possible start in life. If you like spending time with young people, and want to work in education, a job as a primary school teacher could be perfect for you.

You will need to have enthusiasm for the subjects you teach. You’ll also need to be able to relate to pupils and their parents, and have patience and a good sense of humour.

One of the main routes into primary school teaching is to do Initial Teacher Education or Training (ITET) and get qualified teacher status. To do this you must have GCSEs in English, maths and a science subject. You will also need clearance by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Primary Care Graduate Mental Health Worker

If you would like to use a range of therapeutic techniques to help individuals and groups with mental health problems, this type of work might suit you.

As a primary care graduate mental health worker (PCGMHW) you would provide treatment and support to people with common mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.

In this job you would need to have an in-depth knowledge of mental health issues. You would need to be able to communicate well with patients, to explain the options open to them. You would also need to be a good listener and able to gain patients' trust.

You will need a qualification in a relevant subject, such as psychology – many employers will expect you to have a degree, and the ability to work towards a related postgraduate certificate. Voluntary experience and a driving licence will also be very useful.

Children's Nurse

If you enjoy helping and caring for children, this job could be ideal for you. A children's nurse provides care for children and young people with a wide range of conditions.

As a children's nurse, you will need to have the ability to comfort, reassure and gain the trust of patients. You’ll need excellent communication and listening skills. You’ll also need the authority and confidence to deal with children or parents in stressful circumstances.

To work as a children's nurse, you will need a Nursing and Midwifery Council approved degree. You must also agree to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Nursery Worker

Nursery workers, sometimes called nursery nurses, work with babies and young children from birth to five years in childcare settings. They make sure that the children under their care develop and learn in a safe and supportive environment.

If you are committed to helping children thrive and get the best start in life, this could be the perfect career for you.

You will need a warm and positive approach, lots of creative ideas and a willingness to work as part of a team.

You do not always need formal qualifications to start training as a nursery worker, although a good standard of general education, such as GCSEs, including English and maths, would be helpful. For all jobs, you will need to have background checks carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Nursery Manager

A nursery manager or pre-school manager is in charge of the day-to-day running of a childcare setting. They manage and support staff, and make sure that the centre offers a safe and caring environment for children to develop and learn.

If you enjoy working with children and want a job with lots of responsibility, this could be a perfect career for you.

In this job, you’ll need strong leadership and communication skills. You'll also need good business skills and a clear understanding of child protection, early years care and education issues.

To work as a nursery manager, you will normally need a minimum of a nationally recognised Level 3 childcare qualification and two years’ experience of working with children.

Social Worker

If you want to make a positive difference in the community, a career as a social worker could be a perfect choice for you. To become a social worker you will need to study a three-year undergraduate degree or a two-year postgraduate degree in social work that is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You will also need to pass background checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). As a qualified social worker your job will be to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds and be able to gain their trust, in order to help them. Often you’ll be put in situations where your tact, patience and understanding will be needed and you’ll need to assess and cope with these situations in a sensitive and non-judgemental way.?

Social Work Assistant

If you want to help and support people in the community, this could be a great job for you. Social work assistants help qualified social workers. The clients you work with could be in the community, in hospitals and in other settings such as residential care homes.

Employers will usually consider experience to be more important than your qualifications. They may ask for a good standard of general secondary education. To be a social worker’s assistant you will need a practical and flexible approach to work. You will also need to be patient and understanding.

Special Educational Needs Teacher

Special educational needs (SEN) teachers work with children and young people who have difficulties or disabilities. These children find learning harder than for most children of the same age. If you want to help children and you are looking for a role in education, this job could be perfect for you.

To become a special educational needs teacher, you will need to be able to deal with challenging behaviour. You’ll also need good organisational skills. To work as a special needs teacher you will need to have a teaching qualification and teaching experience.

Special Needs Teaching Assistant

If you are keen to help children and want to work in a school, this could be an ideal job for you. Special needs teaching assistants help children with a wide range of learning, physical or behavioural difficulties.

Local education authorities (LEAs) and schools decide which qualifications and experience they expect. You are likely to need some experience to find paid work. A good way of getting this experience is by volunteering in your local school.

To be a special needs teaching assistant you will need to be patient, and firm when necessary. You must also be willing to help with children’s personal needs.