Elaine Gilroy Bolton Start Well Service

Over the past few months, it has been a pleasure to work with partners across the early years, education and childcare sector to plan and deliver a town centre Early Years, Education and Childcare Recruitment Fair.

This event was held on Wednesday 14/01/2026 at the Market Place, Bolton.

The aim was simple but important:
✅ raise awareness of early years, education and childcare careers
✅ showcase training, apprenticeship and childminding routes
✅ support recruitment and retention across the sector

Through strong partnership working, targeted engagement with colleges and communities, and the commitment of local employers, training providers, Jobcentre Plus and local authority colleagues the event came together brilliantly.

On the day, we welcomed over 116 attendees, with very positive feedback from both exhibitors and the public. Attendees had the opportunity to speak directly with employers, explore career pathways, attend workshops to support CV writing, completing application forms, and interview techniques, view live vacancies and ask questions about moving into the sector and progression routes.

At a time when the sector continues to face a significant recruitment and retention challenge, it was reassuring to see such enthusiasm to join the workforce.

Feedback clearly shows there is a real appetite for events like this to continue, and we’re already seeing interest in training, apprenticeships, employment and childminding as a result.

A huge thank you to all the early years, education and childcare providers, employers, training partners, Jobcentre Plus, colleges, Market Place and local authority colleagues who helped make this happen. This really demonstrated what can be achieved through collaboration to support our early years, education and childcare workforce.

Thinking about working with children? Your future starts here!

Whether you’re just starting out, looking for a career change, or already have experience – this is your chance to explore exciting opportunities in Early Years Education and Childcare.

✅ Discover:
Careers in childcare
Progression routes
Recognised qualifications
Current vacancies
How to apply
CV and interview tips

📅 When?
Wednesday 14th January 2026
10:00am – 2:00pm

📍 Where?
Market Place, Bolton (Upper Ground Floor)

Meet local employers and partner organisations ready to guide you every step of the way. No experience? No problem – we’ll help you find the right path!

👉 Reserve your spot now: https://bit.ly/3MDfmvj

Start your childcare journey today!

Have you ever dreamt of making a real difference? Of being the person who sparks imagination, builds confidence, and helps little ones take their first big step in the world?
Early years practitioners are more than educators, they are mentors, motivators, and everyday heroes.
Whether it's supporting a child's first words, sharing the joy of discovery, or offering a steady hand as they grow, working in education and childcare is one of the most rewarding careers out there.
As this brilliant campaign reminds us: Superheroes need sidekicks, and our smallest citizens need you.
Ready to do something big? Come join us in shaping bright futures.
https://www.boltonstartwell.org.uk/jobs
https://earlyyearscareers.campaign.gov.uk/working-in-childcare-and-early-years/
[Image description: A poster from the HM Government's "Do Something Big - Work with Small Children" campaign. It shows a young boy wearing a superhero cape looking up confidently, standing beside a smiling early years practitioner. The text on the poster reads: "Superheroes need sidekicks, that's where you fly in." Bright, playful shapes decorate the design, along with the campaign slogan "Do something BIG. Work with small children." End description]

Today the DfE announced the experience based route for early years staff to support recruitment and retention of staff in early years settings and facilitating the expansion of funded early education from September 2025.

Experience-based route for early years staff How early years providers can implement the experience-based route for staff who do not hold full and relevant qualifications.

🥳 🎉 Its stars week, how will you be celebrating? If you still need ideas check out our dedicated webpage on the various ways you can get involved 👉 https://unsn.uk/3YYklJx

🌟 SEND and Inclusion Support for Wraparound Childcare Providers 🌟
The Start Well Service is here to help Bolton providers ensure their wraparound childcare settings are inclusive and supportive for all children.
We’re thrilled to introduce Jo Brown, our designated Special Needs Teacher with over 20 years of experience. Jo has a wealth of expertise in teaching children with high needs and is skilled in strategies, resources, and techniques to remove barriers to learning and promote development in the Early Years.
How Jo can support you:
✔️ Guidance on smooth transitions for new starters
✔️ Assessing and adjusting provision to better support individual needs
✔️ Effective staff deployment to maximize inclusion
✔️ Reflecting on and improving inclusive practices
✔️ Accessing helpful resources
Flexible support options include telephone, email, Teams meetings, or in-person visits.
📩 For support or an initial discussion, contact: Jo Brown, Start Well SEND
📧 [email protected]
📞 01204 338149

Let’s work together to create inclusive environments where every child can thrive! 💙

What is a childminder without domestic premises? | Childcare reforms 2024 Caroline Hearn, Specialist Adviser, Early Years, explains what the new category of childminder called ‘childminders without domestic premises’ is. They are c...

"We are educators, we're many things that come with that" - Christopher, Deputy Manager at The Yellow Door Day Nursery in Tameside

The first five years of a child’s life lay the foundations for health and happiness in later life

However, 7 in 10 parents are unaware of the importance of the first five years of life, and research suggests parents often wait till until child is of school age to encourage development.

(State of the Nation: Understanding Public Attitudes to The Early Years)

Find out more about the value of early education and childcare 👉 https://orlo.uk/y3rXo