The good points…You'll find being a Nursery Nurse is very rewarding, mainly as you see the children develop in both social and educational situations. The best part is when their parents come in and thank you for all your hard work – you may even get some end of year presents for being the best Nursery Nurse!
Employers expect a good level of literacy and numeracy and may ask for GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. Employers may ask for a childcare qualification such as NVQ or BTEC. They usually expect some experience of childcare, which could be voluntary or paid, including experience within the family or babysitting.
The Level 3 Certificate in Childcare and Education prepares learners to progress on to the Technical Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator). The Diploma enables learners to gain the knowledge and experience which will allow them to work with children from birth to 5 years.
How much does childcare cost? In the UK, the average cost of sending a child under the age of two to nursery is: £138 a week part-time (25 hours)£263 a week full-time (50 hours).
A sense of fun, energy, imagination, empathy and patience are all key skills you'll need to work in a nursery. And although it is possible to work in a nursery setting without specific childcare qualifications, most settings recognise that better qualified staff can offer more support for children's learning.
Difference between nursery nurse & nursery assistantNursery assistant role is at a lower level and they take instructions from a nursery nurse, although nursery assistants can train towards being a nursery nurse.
The average Nursery teacher salary in London is £25,843. This is 2.4% more than the average national salary for Nursery teacher jobs.
The average unqualified nursery assistant salary in the United Kingdom is £16,302 per year or £8.36 per hour. Entry level positions start at £14,996 per year while most experienced workers make up to £19,444 per year.
There is no set start date – you can enrol throughout the year and complete the course at your own pace to meet your individual needs. It should take approximately one year to complete.
High-paying Jobs Working with Children:
- Pediatric registered nurse.
- Pediatric dental hygienist.
- Child psychologist.
- Speech-language pathologist.
- Juvenile justice attorney.
- Pediatric dentist.
- Pediatrician.
- Child psychiatrist.
The average Nursery teacher salary is £23,939. This is 30.1% below the national average advertised salary of £34,261. Meanwhile, the number of Nursery teacher job ads is 188.1% higher than last year, with 703 current vacancies. Most Nursery teacher job ads are for Teaching Jobs and Part time Jobs.
Can I become a teacher without a degree? You need qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in most state schools. Some state schools – academies and free schools – are also allowed to take on teaching staff who do not have QTS. Studying for a degree doesn't have to mean spending three years at university.
This is a full-time three to four-year undergraduate degree course which leads to EYTS. This route is available for those studying early childhood-related degree subjects.
The Department for Education has confirmed that maintained schools are currently required to have 'school teachers' for nursery and reception classes, as laid out in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework.
Qualified teachers. As a 'newly qualified teacher' (NQT) in a primary or secondary school your starting salary will be between £25,714 and £32,157 depending on where you teach. In 2020/21, the average salary for a primary school teacher was £36,900. The average salary for a secondary school teacher was £39,900.
Generally speaking there are no formal qualifications necessary to become a first level teaching assistant, with minimum requirements being GCSE's in numeracy and literacy or the equivalent. That being said, your personality and character traits will be explored at interview to ensure you are right for the job.
In Scotland, there are several ways to qualify. By taking an NC in Early Education and Childcare, one year full time, followed by the HNC in Childhood Practice for a further year full time. Entry to the NC is usually 3-5 subjects at National 4 or 5 including English.
Becoming a teacher in EnglandTo teach in a state school in England, you must have a degree, and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by following a programme of Initial Teacher Training (ITT). You must have achieved minimum requirements in GCSE English, maths, and science if you wish to teach at primary-level.
Most people think of going into childcare because of their love for children. Nursery Practitioners feel they help to give children that valuable start in life to a good education, helping children to develop their social skills in a safe and a caring environment that promotes learning through play.
Job options
- Early years teacher.
- Education consultant.
- Education mental health practitioner.
- Family support worker.
- Health play specialist.
- Learning mentor.
- Play therapist.
- Primary school teacher.
Here are a few of the basics:
- What do you enjoy about working with children?
- What qualities will you bring to our nursery?
- Are you capable of working in a team?
- Can you talk to us a little about your experience?
- What aged children have you worked with before?
The role of Senior Nursery Nurse is to ensure that the childcare provided by North Star Nursery and Holiday Club is of the highest possible quality by supporting the continual learning and development of colleagues. The role is part of the senior management team and reports to the deputy nursery manager.
How do I get a career in childcare without childcare
- The Moving On Mum.
- The Career Changer.
- The Inspired Mum.
- The Young School Leaver.
- The First Time Job-er.
- Find volunteer work.
- Become a childminder.
- Take on work-based training.
To land a rewarding nursery nurse job, you'll first need to put together a compelling CV. Your CV should showcase your early years skills, childcare experience and reliable nature, whilst also being well-written and perfectly structured.
As a nursery nurse or a nursery assistant, you'll work with our young patients and their families primarily on children's wards. Some will also work in hospital nurseries looking after children of NHS staff. If you're a nursery assistant, you'll work under the supervision of a qualified nursery nurse.
Other Related Jobs
- Childminder.
- Children's Nurse.
- Nanny.
- Nursery Manager.
- Nursery Nurse.
- Nursery School Teacher.
