How Can I Become a Nursery Nurse?

Do you often ask yourself, how can I become a nursery nurse? If you love spending time with young children and enjoy helping them learn and grow, this career could be perfect for you. It’s a fun and meaningful job where you guide little ones, support their growth, and see their bright smiles every day.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this exciting path. You’ll learn what the job involves, what skills and qualifications you need, how much you can earn, and how to start your journey. So, let’s dive in and see how you can turn your love for children into a rewarding career.

What Does a Nursery Nurse Do?

A nursery nurse spends the day caring for children under five and helping them grow in a happy, safe space. It’s a job full of energy, love and learning. Every day feels different but each moment counts. Here’s what a nursery nurse usually does:

• Cares for young children: Helps them with daily routines like eating, sleeping and washing hands.
• Plans fun activities: Creates games, crafts, and songs that make learning fun and exciting.
• Encourages learning: Supports children as they learn numbers, colours and words through play.
• Keeps children safe: Watches closely to make sure every child feels safe and cared for.
• Works with parents: Talks with parents about their child’s progress and shares helpful ideas.
• Supports teamwork: Works with other staff to create a friendly and caring environment.
• Promotes growth: Helps children build confidence, kindness and social skills.

All in all,  a nursery nurse makes every day special for children. They help little ones learn, play and smile while building strong foundations for the future.

How Can I Become a Nursery Nurse in the UK? (Step-By-Step Guide)

It’s easier than you might think, and every step brings you closer to your dream career.

Step 1: Build Interest and Get Experience

Start by spending time with young children. You can volunteer at a nursery, help in a school, or babysit for family and friends. This helps you understand how children learn and play every day. You’ll also discover if this is truly the career that makes you happy.

Step 2: Get Your GCSEs

You usually need GCSEs in English and Maths. If you don’t have them yet, you can take short courses to earn them. These subjects help you communicate clearly and manage simple tasks at work. Strong grades will also help you stand out when you apply for childcare courses.

Step 3: Enrol in a Childcare Course

Next, join a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years course. These courses teach you how to care for children safely and support their learning. You’ll also gain hands-on experience in real nurseries. A great place to start is the “What You Need to Know to Be a Successful Nursery Nurse” course from Training Tale. It’s flexible, easy to follow and designed to help you build real skills for your future career.

Step 4: Apply for Nursery Nurse Jobs

After you finish your course, start looking for nursery nurse jobs. You can find work in nurseries, schools, or childcare centres. Show your confidence, kindness and love for children in every interview. A friendly smile and caring attitude can help you stand out to employers.

Step 5: Keep Learning and Get Certified

When you start working, don’t stop learning. Take short courses like Paediatric First Aid or Safeguarding Training. These help you handle emergencies and keep children safe. Keep learning new things to grow your skills and find more job opportunities in the future.

Each step moves you closer to a rewarding career full of purpose, smiles, and little moments that truly matter.

Qualifications You Need to Work as a Nursery Nurse

Let’s talk about what qualifications you need to become a nursery nurse. The best part is, you don’t need a university degree to begin. You just need the right mix of school subjects, practical training and a caring heart.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• GCSEs in English and Maths – or an equivalent qualification. These subjects help you write notes, read learning plans, and use numbers with ease. Good communication and basic maths skills are important in every part of childcare.
• Next, you’ll need a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care – or a similar qualification like the Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce. These courses teach you how children learn, grow, and play safely. You’ll also gain real experience by working in nurseries during your studies.
• If you’re just starting, the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Qualification is a great first step. It gives you the basic skills to work with young children. Later, you can move up to Level 3 for more career options.
• You should complete Paediatric First Aid Training to know what to do in an emergency and keep children safe.
• Finally, take Safeguarding Training to learn how to protect children and recognise when they need extra support.

Each qualification helps you grow stronger in your role. Step by step, these courses prepare you to work confidently with children and start a rewarding career as a nursery nurse.

Best Nursery Nurse Training Courses (Level 2 & Level 3)

The right training will help you start strong. Below are the main course options. They offer different routes, so you can pick the one that matches your schedule and goals.

Level 2 Options

• Level 2 Certificate in Early Years Support: This course teaches you basic childcare skills like helping children learn, caring for babies and toddlers, and engaging in everyday routines.
• Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner: This route goes further. It covers health and safety, planning play activities, and working in real settings like nurseries or pre-schools.
• Delivery modes: You’ll find these courses offered full-time in college, part-time evenings, or online. This flexibility lets you combine study with other responsibilities.

Level 3 Options

• Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education (Early Years Educator): This is the typical full qualification. It trains you deeply in child development, curriculum, inclusive practice, and leadership in early years settings. 
• Apprenticeship or trainee-role option: Some programmes let you work in a nursery while studying your Level 3. This way, you earn, learn, and gain real experience at once. 
• Online and classroom options: Many providers now offer blended learning. You can attend in person, study online, or mix both. This gives you freedom and support. 

Why choose the right course?

First, selecting the correct level helps you meet what employers expect. Next, the delivery method — online, classroom or mixed — lets you match your learning to your lifestyle. Finally, by choosing wisely, you’ll be ready to step confidently into your role as a nursery nurse.

DBS and Safeguarding Checks Explained

When you work with children, safety always comes first. Every nursery nurse must go through a few important checks and training steps before starting work. These checks help protect children and make sure every carer is trustworthy and ready for the role.

You need a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service). This check looks at your background to make sure you are safe to work with children. It’s a legal step, and you cannot start working alone with children until your DBS is complete. You also must complete Safeguarding Training. This training helps you understand how to spot when a child might be unhappy or unsafe. It also teaches you what to do and who to talk to if you have concerns. Another important one is Paediatric First Aid Training. This course gives you the skills to act fast if a child gets hurt or feels unwell. You learn how to stay calm and handle emergencies with care.

Some employers may also ask for a basic health check to make sure you’re fit to work with children. All these steps keep children safe and give parents peace of mind. So, before you begin your nursery nurse journey, complete each check and training with care and confidence.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Nursery Nurse?

You might be wondering how long it takes to become a nursery nurse. The answer depends on the course you choose and how much time you can give to your studies. Everyone’s journey is a little different but the steps are clear and easy to follow. If you start with a Level 2 qualification, it usually takes around 6 to 12 months to finish. This level helps you learn the basics and gives you your first experience working with young children.

The Level 3 qualification takes a bit longer — usually 12 to 18 months if you study full-time. If you study part-time, it might take up to two years. This level goes deeper into child development, planning activities, and understanding how children grow.

You can also choose an apprenticeship, where you work and study at the same time. These programmes often last up to two years, depending on your training provider and how fast you progress. So, the time it takes depends on your path. Whether you study full-time, part-time or through an apprenticeship, each route leads you to a rewarding career helping children learn and thrive.

Typical Salary and Career Progression for Nursery Nurses

So, how much can you earn as a nursery nurse? Let’s break it down in a simple way. When you start your career, you can expect to earn around £19,000 to £20,000 a year. This is a great starting point, especially if you’re just finishing your training. As you gain more skills and experience, your pay naturally goes up.

The average salary for nursery nurses in England is now about £24,420 per year. That means many full-time nursery nurses earn around this amount once they’ve been in the job for a while. If you move into a more senior role, your earnings can rise even higher — often £29,000 or more each year. Senior nursery nurses, room leaders, and nursery managers usually earn the most because they take on more duties and guide other staff.

Here’s how your career can grow over time:

•  Early stage: You start as a nursery nurse and learn the daily routines, play planning and childcare basics.
•  Growing stage: You gain confidence and may take on tasks like helping new staff or planning lessons.
•  Advanced stage: You become a room leader, senior practitioner, or manager. You lead a team, support training, and help run the nursery smoothly.

As you can see, your career in childcare can bloom beautifully. The more you learn and grow, the more you earn — and the greater the joy you’ll feel watching little ones learn and shine.

Final Thoughts: Start Your Nursery Nurse Career with Confidence

Becoming a nursery nurse is more than just a job — it’s a journey filled with joy, purpose and endless smiles. Every day, you help children learn, grow and build happy memories that stay with them forever. You also grow along the way, gaining confidence, skills, and a deep sense of pride in what you do.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward this rewarding career, the Nursery Nurse Course from Training Tale is the perfect place to start. The course gives you the right mix of knowledge, practical skills, and recognised qualifications. Whether you’re just starting or looking to move up in your childcare career, this course helps you reach your goals with confidence.

So, don’t wait. Begin your journey today and turn your passion for helping children into a bright and meaningful future.

FAQs: Becoming a Nursery Nurse

1. What qualifications do you need to be a nursery nurse?

To be a nursery nurse, you need a Level 3 childcare course. A good one is the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education.

2. What qualifications do I need for a nursery?

You need a Level 3 childcare qualification and about two years of experience working with young children.

3. Do nursery nurses get paid well?

Nursery nurses usually earn about £19,000 a year. Beginners may earn a bit less when they start.

4. What’s the difference between a nursery nurse and a nursery assistant?

A nursery nurse has a Level 3 qualification and more training. A nursery assistant helps the nurse and learns on the job.

5. Can I become a nursery teacher without a degree?

You usually need a degree or an Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) to become a nursery teacher.