What qualifications do a nursery nurse need?

Qualifications

To work as a nursery nurse, you'll usually need a Level 2 or 3 qualification in early years childcare and education, such as:

- NVQ Level 2 in childcare and education

- BTEC National Certificate in childcare and education

- CACHE Level 3 Diploma in childcare and education

- Highers in childhood practice and early childhood studies

- HNC/D Childhood Practice

- SVQ Level 2/3 in childcare and education

You can take these courses at a college or training provider. Some colleges also offer apprenticeship schemes, where you'll work in a nursery while studying for your qualification.

Skills

In addition to your qualifications, you'll also need a range of skills to work as a nursery nurse, including:

- Patience

- Empathy

- Good communication skills

- Ability to work well with children of different ages and abilities

- Ability to work as part of a team

- Physical fitness

- Creativity

- Problem-solving skills

- Observation skills

- Reporting skills

- ICT skills

Experience

Most nursery nurses have some experience working with children before they start their training. This could include experience working in a nursery, childminder setting or as a nanny.

Personal qualities

Nursery nurses need to have a genuine love of working with children. They also need to be patient, empathetic and have good communication skills. Nursery nurses must be able to work well as part of a team and be able to cope with the physical demands of the job.

Salary

The average salary for a nursery nurse is £24,000 per year. Salaries can vary depending on your qualifications, experience and the type of nursery you work in.