How to Become a Childcare & Early Years Trainer (2025 Guide)
- The Big Teacher
- Mar 13
- 2 min read
How do I become a childcare trainer?
The demand for qualified childcare trainers is growing as more nurseries, schools, and training providers seek expert educators. Whether you want to train nursery staff, childminders, or teaching assistants, this guide will show you how to get started.
What Does a Childcare & Early Years Trainer Do?
A childcare trainer teaches courses on:
✔ Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
✔ Child Development & Play-Based Learning
✔ Safeguarding & Child Protection
✔ Working with Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
✔ Health & Safety in Childcare
💡 Many trainers work for colleges, private training providers, or as freelance instructors.
Step 1: Get the Right Qualifications
For Teaching Childcare & Early Years Courses
✔ Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) – A requirement for delivering accredited childcare training.
For Assessing Childcare Learners
✔ Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) – If you want to assess learners in NVQs, apprenticeships, or diplomas.
For Quality Assurance in Childcare Training
✔ Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) – Needed to verify assessments and ensure training meets standards.
💡 If you're delivering government-funded courses, you’ll need an Ofqual-recognised qualification like the AET.
Step 2: Gain Industry Experience
To build credibility as a trainer, you should:
✅ Have at least 2-3 years of experience in a childcare setting
✅ Work in a nursery, preschool, or primary school
✅ Gain knowledge of childcare regulations and EYFS requirements
Many trainers start by mentoring staff or delivering in-house training before moving into formal teaching roles.
Step 3: Find Work as a Childcare Trainer
You can work in:
🏫 Colleges & Training Providers – Delivering childcare diplomas & NVQs
🏠 Freelance or Online Training – Running your own courses or workshops
🍼 Nurseries & Preschools – Training staff on childcare best practices
📚 Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning – Supporting learners on placement
💰 Potential Earnings:
✔ Freelance Trainers: £150 - £400 per session
✔ Full-Time Trainers: £30,000 - £50,000 per year
Step 4: Progress Your Career
Once you're an established trainer, you can:
✔ Become a Lead Trainer for a college or training provider
✔ Start Your Own Childcare Training Business
✔ Deliver Higher-Level Training (Level 4 & 5 courses)
✔ Develop Online Courses & E-Learning Materials
📩 Interested in becoming a childcare trainer? Contact us today to enrol!
Why Choose The Big Teacher?
✔ Ofqual-Recognised Teaching & Assessing Qualifications
✔ 100% Online & Flexible Learning
✔ Expert Tutor Support & Fast Marking
💡 Start your journey today – enrol in our Level 3 AET, CAVA, or IQA courses!