career change to working with early years children?

[revivingsnowshower]

I would like to make a career change and my friend suggested early years childcare when I was cooing over her new baby. I do like the idea of working with littlies, but i am not sure whether this is a viable choice, I've always thought it was a very popular so hard to find a job. I don't have any real experience in this job although i have worked as a school cook.

I have a back problem so i am a bit worried if this job would be a strain on my back? I can do a practical job but i have to be very careful about lifting and bending.

I need to keep working at least doing current pt hours while i do any training. I think you can do a home study course but would this be acceptable to employers? Or is there a better way to go?

I see it is possible to progress with qualifications and work towards a degree which i would quite like to do.

Any advice much appreciated.

Does not sound as though working with little children would suit, due to lifting issue.

Home study course is not suitable. Courses which are suitable require time in placement. Look at CACHE Children's Workforce Development courses. They will have a QCF reference, such as [[
register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification/Details/500_8887_7 this]].

Some childcare providers may take on trainee staff but pay will be low during training.

Contact your local council Early Years department, they may have introduction meetings you can attend about a career in childcare.

Example, Surrey

Thanks

Sorry posted too soon there! Thanks for your reply. I am still sort of interested despite all the difficulties but it will obviously not be a perfect choice for me. I am worried about my back issues and it may not be easy to find a suitable training course or of course a job.

Unless your extremely physically fit working with early years will be very hard.