Nursery jobs involve caring and educating children from birth to seven years of age.
A wide range of roles are available in the nursery sector, from nursery nurse and nursery worker positions at a lower level to nursery school teacher and nursery manager positions at a higher level.
Academic qualifications are not required to start nursery nurse training. However, some course providers prefer their students to have at least three GCSEs. To work as a trained nursery nurse, a level 3 child care qualification, such as a CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education, is essential. With experience, nursery nurses can go on to become nursery managers. In contrast to nursery nurse roles, nursery school teachers require higher level teaching qualifications. To acquire a teaching qualification, university study is necessary. Entry onto a teaching degree is usually with two or more A levels.
For all nursery jobs, personal qualities are just as important as formal qualifications. In addition to a sound understanding of the physical and emotional needs of children, nursery staff must be interested in the way in which children learn and develop. A good sense of humour, an ability to work well with others and an encouraging attitude are all essential qualities for nursery jobs.
Nursery professionals at all levels may find employment in state-maintained and independent nursery schools, children's centres and nurseries outside of the education system. Vacancies are usually found in sector publications and through recruitment agencies specialising in education jobs.
Starting salaries for trainee nursery nurses are around £10,000 a year, rising to around £16,000 a year for those with relevant qualifications. With experience, nursery nurses can move into management roles, which are associated with salaries of around £35,000 a year. Salaries for newly qualified nursery school teachers are around £20,000 a year.