Not sure whether to choose Early Years (0–5) or School-Age (5–16) support? This guide compares day-to-day work, required qualifications and placements, typical hours/holidays, and progression—so you can pick the route that fits your life.

Early Years vs School-Age: the essentials

• Ages & curriculum: Early Years follows the EYFS (birth–5) with play-based learning and care routines. School-age support follows the National Curriculum (primary/secondary) with lesson-time support and interventions.
• Settings: Nurseries, pre-schools and reception vs primary, secondary and special schools.
• Focus: Early Years—care, communication, developmental milestones, key person role. School—phonics/maths/reading groups, class routines, 1:1 or small-group support, SEND interventions.
• Hours: Early Years often operates year‑round with shifts across the day. Schools are usually term‑time with hours matching the school day.
• Progression: Early Years—Room Leader → Deputy/Manager → EY SENCO. School—Experienced TA → HLTA → specialist SEND/pastoral roles → teacher training.

Day-to-day: what you actually do

• Early Years: set up play-based areas; support care routines (snacks, naps, toileting); observe and record progress; communicate with parents; follow ratios and safeguarding.
• School: support whole-class teaching; run small-group or 1:1 interventions; prepare resources; supervise transitions/breaks; uphold behaviour routines and safeguarding.

Qualifications & placements

• School-age TA route (STL): Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching & Learning (knowledge-only, no placement), Level 3 Certificate (requires placement), Level 3 Diploma (broader, for regular school work).
• Early Years/children's workforce route: Consider our Children and Young People’s Workforce Level 2 Certificate. Nurseries commonly look for recognised Early Years qualifications; to be counted in staff-to-child ratios, employers often prefer Level 3 Early Years Educator.
• Placements: Most Early Years roles and school STL Certificate/Diploma require a placement. The STL Award does not.

Hours, holidays & lifestyle

• Early Years: year-round operation; shift patterns; potential for full-time across school holidays.
• School: term-time only in many roles; hours often align with your children’s school day—popular with parents/carers.

Which route should you choose?

• Choose Early Years if you love care routines, play-based learning, and close parent communication—and are open to year-round settings.
• Choose School-age if you want classroom-focused support, academic progress and term-time hours that fit family life.

Not sure? Try the quick quiz above for a personalised course recommendation and instant access to Unit 1 of your best-fit course.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Early Years and School-age support?

Early Years focuses on EYFS, care routines and developmental milestones for ages 0–5. School-age support centres on classroom learning, behaviour routines and interventions for 5–16 year‑olds.

Can a Level 3 TA (STL) qualification get me a nursery job?

Some nurseries may hire for assistant roles, but to be counted in ratios they usually require recognised Early Years qualifications. For Early Years/children’s workforce, consider our Children and Young People’s Workforce Level 2 Certificate and check individual employer requirements.

Can a Level 3 Early Years Educator work as a TA in school?

Yes—your experience is valuable—but many schools prefer Supporting Teaching & Learning (STL) qualifications because they map directly to classroom practice. Some candidates add the STL Award or Certificate.

Do I need a DBS check?

Yes. DBS checks are normally arranged by your placement provider or employer. Study from Home does not apply for DBS checks on your behalf.

Do I need a placement for Level 3?

The STL Award is knowledge‑only and does not require a placement. The STL Certificate and Diploma and most Early Years qualifications usually do.