Early years recruitment and retention

Do something BIG campaign

The 'Do something BIG, work with small children' early years campaign aims to raise the profile of the sector and showcase the important contribution early years and childcare professionals make in preparing young children for learning in school and beyond.

• Do something big - childcare and early years recruitment campaign video
• Do something big campaign toolkit (PDF, 2MB)

Alongside this, the Department for Education (DfE) has launched an early years careers website. This includes information on all areas of early years work, routes into the sector and real-life stories.

Advertise jobs on 'Find a job'

The early years careers website links directly to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) free 'Find a job' vacancy platform. This allows potential applicants to search for early years roles in their area. To advertise jobs on 'Find a job':

1. Create an employer account on 'Find a job'.
2. Add your company details to post job adverts and manage your team.
3. Use the term 'early years' in the title of your job adverts and select 'Education jobs' for the job category.

For help to list vacancies, refer to the 'Find a job' employer help and advice or watch their video tutorials.

Advertise apprenticeships

Applicants can search and apply for apprenticeships using the Find an apprenticeship service on GOV.UK. To advertise your apprenticeships on the site for free:

1. Create or sign in to your apprenticeship service account. 
2. Follow the guidance on creating an apprenticeship advert as an employer.

Jobcentre Plus support for employers

Jobcentre Plus' network of local employer advisers can help you to find the right people for your jobs. They will work with you to fill your vacancies using the most suitable recruitment solution, including:

• help with job descriptions
• speeding up your recruitment process
• promoting your vacancies in local Jobcentres and on their social media
• use of Jobcentre Plus offices for interviews (where available) and local recruitment events
• planning future recruitments
• find a job - a free online jobs site

Contact your local Jobcentre Plus employer adviser on crewe.lmra1@dwp.gov.uk to advertise and promote your vacancies. This email address applies to all Jobcentre Plus' in Cheshire East.