Essex is a county that boasts a wealth of opportunities for those looking for a new role within the childcare sector. With around 90 state secondary schools, a number of primary schools and private schools also looking for staff, those in the education sector will find plenty of opportunity for employment.

The county is also home to a huge number of workers who commute to London on a daily basis, with the south west and western areas of the county making up one of the wealthiest areas in the east of England. For this reason, growing numbers of families pay for childcare in the form of nannies and au pairs, meaning that there are plenty of agencies seeking candidates wishing to be employed as a private carer.

Pay within this sector varies depending on hours and experience. Part-time babysitters and childminders with no formal qualifications may earn little over the minimum wage, while au pairs can earn upwards of £6 per hour - with free accommodation.

Nursery nurses can earn between £10,000 and £20,000 per annum, with formal qualifications and full CRB checks required. Try using a specialist recruitment agency that specialises in childcare for the best chance of finding your ideal role.