Like working with children? Here are five great jobs for you

Love children? Top for fun, top for job satisfaction, careers that involve children can be some of the most rewarding jobs out there. It’s a no-brainer that if you want to work with children, you’ll have to show that you’re of good character. And of course there will be official background checks before you can apply for many of the roles. You might also need a professional qualification in specific subject areas such as therapy or health.

If you’re up for the challenge, check out these top jobs:

1. Play therapist

Play therapists, as well as art and music therapists, often work (or should we say “play”) alongside children at school, nurseries or in private practice. Play Therapists use playfulness as a therapy to improve the wellbeing of children who are vulnerable or have suffered trauma. They are often employed by schools, children’s centres, fostering agencies and mental health clinics. Curious? Find out more here.

2. Early Years Teacher

Could you support a class of children in their most vital stage of development? Early Years teaching involves providing a safe space for children to develop socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically. You’ll assess, teach and monitor the children in a myriad of ways and help them transition into primary school. You’ll need Early Years Teacher status but there is plenty of work available in nurseries, kindergartens and schools.

3. Tutor

If you have a good degree in a curriculum subject, think about becoming a private tutor. You’ll call the shots as tutors are usually freelance. You’ll work one-on-one or with small groups of children, helping them develop in a particular subject. Private tutors in the UK don’t need a teaching qualification but you’ll earn more money if you have one.

4. Private nanny

Get a great nanny gig with a nice family and you’re looking at good pay, free accommodation, travel opportunities and a feeling of belonging. You might have long hours and you’ve got to be clear on boundaries but you’ll be working with children 24/7. You might be helping to look after a newborn, all the way up to waving a 17-year-old off to university. Nannying is also a great opportunity to gain valuable experience as a foundation for other child-related roles.

5. Sports coach

Love sports? If you’re not interested in becoming a physical education teacher, but want to work with kids, try coaching in your specialist sport. You can run your own classes or work as a freelance coach for sports clubs and schools. Link up with your local and regional associations for your sport. If you’re a dancer, the same applies – look for opportunities to teach specialist classes at schools and summer camps.

If you’ve a strong sense of purpose and are motivated by developing children to be tomorrow’s good citizens, you’ll find lots of opportunities in health and social care, the arts, dance and sport that can turn your ambitions into reality.