How to Kickstart Your Career in Early Years Education with Fennies

Are you passionate about shaping young minds and making a positive impact on children’s lives? A career in Early Years education is not only rewarding but also full of opportunities to grow and develop your skills. At Fennies, we understand the importance of nurturing both children and educators, which is why we’re committed to supporting your journey every step of the way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, discover how Fennies can kickstart your career in Early Years education and help you achieve your goals:

• Why Work in Early Years?
• Qualifications Needed for Early Years Roles
• The Interview Process at Fennies
• Preparing for the Telephone Screening
• Acing the In-Person Interview
• Why Choose Fennies?

Why Work in Early Years?

Working in Early Years education is an incredibly rewarding and impactful career choice. During the critical Early Years of a child's life, their brain undergoes rapid development, forming neural connections that shape their future learning, behaviour, and well-being. As an Early Years educator, you play a vital role in nurturing this growth, creating a love for learning, and laying the foundation for a child's lifelong success.

The importance of early childhood education cannot be overstated. Research has consistently shown that high-quality early learning experiences have profound and lasting effects on a child's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. By providing a stimulating and supportive environment, you can help children develop essential skills, build confidence, and cultivate a positive attitude towards learning.

Working in Early Years allows you to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and their families. Your influence extends beyond the nursery, you contribute to the overall well-being and futures of the children in your care.

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Qualifications Needed for Early Years Roles

To work in an Early Years setting, there are various qualifications and training paths you can pursue to kickstart your career. 

Early Years Educator Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with study towards an early years qualification. They allow you to earn while you learn and gain hands-on experience.

Level 2 Early Years Educator

This qualification covers the knowledge and skills needed to work under supervision with children from birth to 5 years old. The Level 2 qualification is considered the full and relevant criteria for an Early Years educator role. It's a great starting point for those new to the sector.

Level 3 Early Years Educator

The Level 3 qualification is also considered the full and relevant criteria for an Early Years educator role. It provides training in areas like child development, safeguarding, observing and planning to meet children's needs.

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Additional training in areas like paediatric first aid, food hygiene, safeguarding and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum can make your CV stand out. At  Fennies we offer continuous professional development for our teams to allow you to grow and succeed in your early years career.

No matter which path you take, working in the Early Years requires passion, creativity and a commitment to helping shape children's early development and learning. The right training and qualifications ensure you have the skills to thrive.

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The Interview Process at Fennies

At Fennies, we have a robust and inclusive interview process to ensure we hire the right people for our nurseries. This also allows you to learn more about us and determine if the role is the right fit.

Telephone Screening

Once you apply or submit your CV, the talent team will review your CV and if successful, you'll be scheduled for an initial telephone screening. During this call, we'll discuss your qualifications, experience, preferences (e.g., age group, location), and career goals. 

In-Person Interview

After the telephone screening, you'll be invited for an in-person nursery interview. This typically involves the nursery manager, deputy, or another member of the management team. You'll be asked more specialised questions about childcare and your experience. 

Room Trial 

The second part is a room trial, allowing you to engage with the children, interact with our team, and get a feel for the nursery environment. We may ask you to set up an activity or discuss what it's like to work at Fennies.

Our thorough process ensures you're the right fit for the role and gives you a proper understanding of Fennies before joining the team!

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Preparing for the Telephone Screening

During this initial call, you can expect to be asked about your qualifications, experience, and knowledge of key areas like safeguarding and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.

Some common screening questions include:

• What early years qualifications and skills do you have?
• What does safeguarding mean to you?
• What do you know about the EYFS?

The telephone screening also provides an opportunity for you to learn more about Fennies, our values, and the benefits we offer employees. Our talent team will tailor the conversation to your specific circumstances, discussing factors like age group preferences, previous nursery roles, location suitability, and career progression goals.

We understand that you may be working during the day, so we're happy to accommodate out-of-hours calls to make the process as convenient as possible for you! 

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Acing the In-Person Interview

Interviews can definitely be nerve-racking, so it's a good idea to be well-prepared to help keep your mind at ease and allow us to see the real you! Before your interview, plan your route to the nursery to ensure you arrive on time. Dress appropriately and always be polite – first impressions count!

We are always looking for our educators to have a keen interest in the Early Years, and it's great to show that you have creative ideas during your nursery interview. This can be demonstrated when you interact with both the team and children during your work trial. For example, you may be asked to set up an exciting activity or talk to the other educators about what it's like to work for us, so always come prepared with this in mind.

Having good knowledge of the nursery you're applying for definitely helps too, so take a look at the nursery website or social media channels before your interview. You can then showcase your knowledge during the interview process.

Finally, be ready to ask insightful questions at the end of the interview. This shows initiative and a keen interest in working for the nursery. Some great questions to ask could include enquiring about career progression opportunities, training courses offered, or what a typical day looks like at the nursery.

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Why Choose Fennies?

At Fennies, we're dedicated to creating an exceptional workplace culture that empowers our team members to thrive. When you join our family, you'll be part of a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters growth, collaboration, and a shared commitment to shaping the lives of children. 

Working at Fennies means being part of a team that truly embodies our core values: Be Yourself, Come Together, Be All In and Go Further. We celebrate individuality and encourage everyone to bring their unique perspectives and strengths to the table. Our collaborative approach ensures that knowledge is shared, and ideas are inspired, creating a community that is stronger together.

At Fennies, we take pride in our work and the difference we make in the lives of children. We understand the resilience required in the Early Years sector, and we invest in your well-being and professional development to help you be your best. We take our work seriously, but we also believe in maintaining a positive and enjoyable atmosphere.

We offer numerous opportunities for those who are "All In" – to learn, grow, progress, and shape children's lives. We're continually investing in our future to lead the sector, and we want you to be part of this journey, influencing how we do things to deliver the best results.

By choosing Fennies, you'll be part of a family that values your contributions, supports your growth, and celebrates your achievements! Explore our open roles here.