16/06/2026
A behind-the-scenes look at what early years staff actually do every day — beyond “playing with kids”
It’s a common misconception: people think early years staff just play with children all day. Here’s what actually happens behind the scenes 👇
Before the children even arrive: rooms are deep-cleaned and safety-checked, activities are set up based on individual learning plans, and staff review notes from the day before — allergies, sleep patterns, anything a parent flagged at pickup.
Throughout the day, every interaction is intentional. A “messy play” session is building fine motor skills. A snack-time chat is developing language and social skills. Staff are constantly observing and writing notes on each child’s development against early learning goals, all while managing ratios and supervising safely.
But the job goes way beyond the classroom. On any given day, early years staff are also: cooks, preparing meals and snacks to meet dietary needs and allergies; cleaners, sanitising toys, surfaces, and changing areas between every use; first aiders, ready to respond to bumps, falls, and emergencies in seconds; and SEN specialists, adapting activities and communication for children with additional needs, often without extra staffing or time. On top of that, every child has different behaviours, triggers, and needs, and staff are managing all of it, for multiple children, at the same time — calmly and consistently.
Then there’s what happens when children go home: planning tomorrow’s activities around individual needs, updating learning journals, writing daily reports for parents, deep-cleaning toys and equipment, restocking supplies, and attending training on safeguarding, first aid, and child development — most of it unpaid, after-hours work.
And underpinning all of it: safeguarding responsibility. Every staff member is trained to spot signs of abuse or neglect and required by law to act on concerns — a responsibility they carry every single day, for every single child.
Our team also brings a huge range of qualifications to the room. Between just five members of staff, we have over 70 years of combined experience. Every one of those qualifications was hard-earned, and staff continue training throughout their careers to keep developing their skills.
So next time you see your child’s key worker, know this: they’re not just minding your child. They’re a cook, cleaner, first aider, SEN teacher, behaviour specialist, educator, and safeguarder — all rolled into one, all day, every day, backed by decades of experience and qualifications. 💛
