Jono McCulloch
My name is Jono McCulloch. I’m a playworker and I’m registered with the SSSC as a practitioner in a day care of children service.
I’m employed by Broxburn Family Centre at The Range Playground’s youth club (primary school age children) and ABC Private Nursery, Livingston, in their out of school care service.
I’ve been going to out of school care since I was in
Primary 1. I always looked up to the playworkers and
wanted to be like them.
The main moment I knew I wanted this career was when I
turned 13 and got hands on experience helping the
children my mum looked after as she is a foster
carer.
When I was older I got told about a modern
apprenticeship at the local family centre and I applied
for it, of course.
A typical working day for me is providing care for
the children.
I set up play spaces with different activities for the
children or if I am on snack I start preparing it.
Looking after children is like looking after your own
children, you care for them and respect their needs.
Play is my work, or is it?
Yes, I play with the children but we also respect them.
I make sure the children have fun so they love coming
back.
Helping my mum with the foster children gave me lots of
experience with all ages of children and this then
helped me when I started my modern apprenticeship.
During my modern apprenticeship I learned so much. I’ve
moved clubs and I’m now giving my new club lots of new
ideas.
The qualification I gained during my modern
apprenticeship is the SVQ Social Services (Children
and Young People) at SCQF level 7.
During my training I also gained certificates in
Emergency First Aid at Work and Introduction to Child
Protection.
Before I started my modern apprenticeship I had my food
hygiene certificate so this meant I could prepare snacks
with the children.
I love my job. Seeing or putting a smile on a child’s
face will make anyone’s day.
Most people tell me ‘you must hate your job as you’re
looking after 30 to 40 screaming children’ but I tell
the truth that the children are funny, they make you
laugh and you make them laugh.
The main thing I love about my job is getting the
children to go outdoors or try things that are out of
their comfort zone.
My best words of advice are to never give up on your
dreams of working in childcare.
The older children (9-11 years) will look at you as a
friend but just make sure you help them learn rules and
listen to you because it’s your job to keep them
safe.
Childcare is the best job in the world.

My best words of advice are to never give up on your dreams of working in childcare.
Jono McCulloch Playworker