How Do You Become a Nursery Nurse in the UK?

Do you love caring for little children? Do you enjoy helping them learn new things? Then you might want to know — how do you become a nursery nurse in the UK?

A nursery nurse, also called an early years practitioner, works with babies and young children aged 0 to 5. They help children play, learn, and feel safe in nurseries, preschools, and early years classes.

You can start with a Level 2 course and then move up to Level 3. You can study with CACHE, NCFE, City & Guilds, or TQUK. Some people also choose a paid apprenticeship, where they learn while working. You will need an enhanced DBS check (about £49.50) and the Update Service (£16 per year). It’s also important to learn about safeguarding, KCSIE, and the EYFS rules to keep children safe.

In this article, we explore how to become a nursery nurse step by step. You’ll learn what qualifications you need, what skills help you succeed, and what kind of training makes a difference. By the end, you’ll clearly understand how to start your journey as a nursery nurse and build a rewarding career working with children.

What Does a Nursery Nurse Do?

A nursery nurse has many lovely jobs each day. You help children feel happy, safe, and ready to learn.

You will:

• Plan fun EYFS activities like drawing, singing, and outdoor play.
• Help with daily care — feeding, nappy changes, and nap times.
• Watch and note how each child learns and grows.
• Make creative games that help children build skills.
• Follow health and safety rules to keep everyone safe.
• Talk and work with parents, teachers, and the SENCO to support children.

It’s a busy job, but it’s full of smiles, hugs, and little “thank yous” that make it special. Want to learn how to truly thrive in this rewarding role?

Discover expert tips, essential skills, and insider advice in our latest post — What You Need to Know to Be a Successful Nursery Nurse. It’s the perfect guide to help you grow your confidence and become the caring, capable nursery nurse every child deserves.

How Do You Become a Nursery Nurse?

To become a nursery nurse, you need GCSEs or Functional Skills in English and Maths (grades 9–4 or C and above).

Many learners study for a Level 3 childcare qualification, such as the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education. You can also choose NCFE, City & Guilds, or TQUK courses.

If you start with a Level 2 course, you can work as an assistant first. Then, moving to Level 3 helps you earn more and take on more duties. With training and practice, you will learn how to support young children and help them grow with care and confidence.

Do You Need Experience to Work as a Nursery Nurse?

Yes, you do! Getting some real experience is very important if you want to work as a nursery nurse. Don’t worry — it’s easier than you might think!

When you take a nursery course, you’ll often do placements in real nurseries. These usually happen one or two days a week. It’s a great way to learn how things work, meet children, and practise what you learn in class.

If you’re not on a course yet, you can try nursery volunteering. Many nurseries, preschools, or even holiday clubs welcome helpers. You can also gain experience by helping a childminder. Every hour you spend with children helps you build confidence and skills. This experience is not just for learning — it also helps you get a job later. Employers love seeing that you’ve already worked with children. It gives you good references and shows you’re ready for the role.

Working with young children is full of joy, laughter, and little surprises every day. So, get started early, join a placement, and see how rewarding this path can be.

How Much Does It Cost to Train as a Nursery Nurse?

In 2025, most childcare courses will have clear price ranges. A Level 2 course costs around £300 to £900, while a Level 3 childcare course is usually between £1,500 and £2,300. Courses with classroom visits or teacher checks may cost a little more. If you want to earn while you learn, an apprenticeship in childcare is a great option. You’ll get real work experience, and your employer or training provider will pay for your course.

Some colleges offer discounts or let you pay in small parts. You can also apply for the Advanced Learner Loan for some Level 3 courses. You’ll need an enhanced DBS check (£49.50) and the Update Service (£16 a year) to work with children.

Short CPD courses are also helpful. On platforms like Training Tale, these cost £10 to £60 and cover topics like Safeguarding, SEN, and First Aid. Training costs some money, but becoming a nursery nurse gives you a happy, rewarding career filled with smiles and purpose.

What Skills Do You Need as a Nursery Nurse?

If you love working with children, you might wonder — what skills do you need as a nursery nurse? It’s not just about watching little ones play. It’s about helping them grow, feel safe, and enjoy learning every single day.

First, you need patience and empathy. Children learn at their own pace, and some days can be a little busy or noisy. Staying calm and kind helps every child feel secure and loved.

Next, good communication is very important. You’ll talk with children, parents, and teachers every day. Clear and gentle words help everyone understand each other. You’ll also need playful creativity. Fun games, songs, and crafts help children learn while having a great time. Every small activity builds their confidence and curiosity.

Understanding safeguarding in early years is key too. You must always keep children safe and follow the rules that protect them. It also helps to know simple behaviour strategies and ways to support SEN in early years (Special Educational Needs). Every child is unique, and your care helps them feel included.

Finally, teamwork matters. A good nursery nurse works well with others and keeps reliable routines so children feel happy and cared for every day.

How Much Do Nursery Nurses Earn in the UK?

If you’re thinking about working with children and wondering how do you become a nursery nurse, you might also want to know how much you can earn in this job. The pay is fair, and it can grow as you gain more skills and experience.

Across the UK, most nursery nurses earn between £9.90 and £12.50 an hour. That’s around £18,000 to £24,000 a year for full-time work. Many jobs are year-round, so you’ll have a steady income each month.

In London and other big cities, pay is a bit higher. You can earn £11.50 to £13.50 an hour, and sometimes even more. If you take on extra work, like being a Room Leader or helping children with special needs, you can get extra pay too.

When you learn about being a nursery nurse, you’ll see it’s not just about money. It’s about helping little ones learn, play, and grow every day. The smiles, hugs, and laughter make this job truly special — and that’s something no number can match.

What Is the Career Progression for Nursery Nurses?

Working in childcare gives you many chances to grow. You can start small and move up step by step as you gain skills and confidence.

Most people begin as a Nursery Assistant. In this role, you help other staff and learn how to care for children. After some experience and training, you can move up to a Nursery Nurse. You’ll take on more duties, plan fun activities, and support children’s learning.

Next, you can become a Room Leader. This job lets you guide a small team and make sure your room runs smoothly each day. With time, you may become a Deputy Manager or a Nursery Manager, leading the whole nursery and supporting other staff.

There are also other paths you can explore. You might train to work with SEN children, lead the baby room, or join a Forest School team. If you want to keep studying, you can aim for Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) and teach young children.

Every new step helps you learn more and make a bigger difference in children’s lives. It’s a career that grows with you.

Where Can You Work as a Nursery Nurse?

After your training, you can work in many lovely places. There are lots of options where you can help children learn and grow every day.

Here are some places you can work:

• Private nurseries – You help babies and children play, learn, and feel safe.
  
• School nurseries or reception classes – You support teachers and help young children get ready for school.
  
• Children’s centres – You help families and run fun activities for little ones.
  
• Community childcare settings – You care for children in local playgroups or community centres.
  
• Wrap-around care – You look after children before and after school. These jobs often have shifts between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Some jobs are term-time only, and some are all year round. Wherever you work, you will make a big difference. Every smile, every laugh, and every new skill learned will make your day brighter.

Final Thoughts: Is Nursery Nursing the Right Path for You?

Becoming a nursery nurse is a wonderful journey. You learn new skills, work with lovely children, and help them grow every day. It takes time, care, and practice — but it’s worth it. You can start with a simple course, gain hands-on experience, and slowly build your confidence. Soon, you’ll be ready to work in nurseries, schools, or children’s centres. Each day will bring happy smiles, small hugs, and sweet “thank yous.”

Working with children is not just a job — it’s a chance to make a real difference. You’ll help little ones learn, laugh, and feel loved. So, if you enjoy caring for children and want a job full of joy and purpose, start your training today.

Take the first step toward your dream career — enrol in the Nursery Nurse Course at Training Tale. Gain the knowledge, confidence, and qualifications you need to begin a rewarding career in childcare. Your journey starts here!

FAQs

1. What qualifications do you need for a nursery nurse?
To work as a nursery nurse, you usually need GCSEs in English and Maths and a Level 3 childcare qualification.

2. How much do nursery nurses get paid in the UK?
Entry-level nursery nurses in the UK usually earn between £20,000 and £21,800 per year.

3. What’s the difference between a nursery nurse and a nursery assistant?
A nursery assistant supports nursery nurses and teachers. They usually have less experience, hold a Level 2 qualification, and work under close supervision.

4. Is being a nursery nurse stressful?
Yes, being a nursery nurse can be stressful. The job is busy, and you need patience to handle children, parents, and daily tasks.

5. What is the lowest level of nursing?
The lowest level of nursing is a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant).