If you love working with children and would like to positively impact their early development, becoming a nursery assistant is a great starting point.
You’ll need passion, commitment and a can-do attitude, but nursery assistants can also look forward to job satisfaction and a fun environment.
Research from Gov.UK shows that 73% of mothers with children aged 14 and under were in work in 2022, which is a 10% increase since 2010. The report also highlighted that 71% of children aged 0-4 receive regular childcare during term time.
There are plenty of opportunities available for aspiring nursery assistants, and in this guide, we’ll reveal how you can become a nursery assistant and what it takes.
What is a nursery assistant?
Nursery assistants usually work with children under seven, providing them with care during the day. However, the job also involves helping children learn vital social skills and supporting them with early years education.
Most assistants work under a qualified nursery nurse in various environments, including traditional nurseries and pre-schools. However, some might also specialise in working with children with special needs and learning difficulties.
While entry-level nursery assistants might not require any qualifications, the experience of working with young children and the willingness to adapt your skills can set you on the pathway to a positive career.
What does a nursery assistant do?
Nursery assistants have a varied job, where each day brings something new. Your main role will be to support qualified nursery nurses and managers, helping them provide care to the children and oversee various activities.
A general idea of what you could be doing from day to day includes:
- Supervising children
- Organising activities
- Promoting hygiene
- Food and drink preparation
- Supporting senior staff members
Supervising children
You’ll often supervise activities, such as outdoor play and education, ensuring children are always safe. All UK nurseries and children’s centres must adhere to the 2018 Working Together to Safeguard Children legislation, which clearly outlines safeguarding practices.
Your role will be to follow these guidelines and work according to the risk assessments set by senior nursery workers. It might include maintaining a safe environment, recording injuries, and ensuring children receive supervision.
Organising activities
Working in an early years setting often means providing children with the perfect combination of education and fun. A significant part of your job will be organising activities, such as games or reading sessions, to entertain children.
The activities must appeal to children of different ages and abilities, and you’ll work closely with other professionals to ensure they receive plenty of stimulation.
Promoting hygiene
Depending on the age of the children you work with, you might need to support them with toileting needs and ensure they wash their hands. Babies will also require regular nappy changes and general care throughout the day.
If you work with special needs children, your duties might include offering additional support and helping them with any care needs.
Preparing food and drinks
While some nurseries ask parents to provide their children with drinks and snacks, others might offer them, so you might also prepare snacks and beverages. Nursery assistants must receive food hygiene training to follow all health and safety standards.
A significant part of the role will also be safeguarding children with allergies and intolerances, ensuring they receive suitable snacks.
Supporting other staff members
As an assistant, you’ll often work under an experienced nursery worker, providing day-to-day support with the general care of children. You might work in health centres or community centres under general managers or alongside an early years educator, so your responsibilities will be varied.
Some nursery assistants focus primarily on play and socialisation, while others provide educational support.
How to become a nursery assistant?
Becoming a nursery assistant is a pathway into the industry, and many people don’t need a formal childcare qualification for entry-level roles. However, if you do have a certification, it will help you find employment quickly.
Many employers require assistants with Maths and English GCSEs at grades A* to C – or equivalent qualifications. There are different entry points into the industry, depending on your previous experience and educational background.
While most people pursue qualifications, there are two alternative routes available:
Applying for trainee jobs
Some nurseries will take on people with limited experience as long as they have GCSEs or equivalent qualifications and are passionate about working with children. While these roles are limited, they can be ideal if you don’t want to pursue qualifications immediately.
Volunteering
Volunteering at your local nursery group is an excellent way to gain valuable experience and learn more about promoting a child-friendly environment. You’ll support nursery staff with daily activities, trips, and general care. Some people can turn their volunteering experience into paid work, depending on availability.
Education
Applying for an apprenticeship or doing a relevant childcare qualification is the best way to find employment as a nursery assistant, as it ensures you meet the minimum criteria and ensures you can demonstrate your knowledge.
Qualifications required to become a Nursery Assistant
There are many relevant qualifications for childcare workers, depending on the route you wish to take. Entry-level qualifications are ideal for new learners, while a level 2 certificate is equivalent to GCSEs. Let’s look at what you’ll need to become a nursery assistant.
Level 1 certifications
A Level 1 qualification demonstrates you understand the basic skills and responsibilities required to work with young children. The certification is the equivalent of a foundational GCSE and can be a good starting point for childcare.
The Foundation Award in Caring for Children gives you a general knowledge of the skills and responsibilities required when caring for children. It’s also a starting point if you want to pursue further training.
Level 2 qualifications
Many nurseries will require their assistants to hold a relevant Level 2 certification, equivalent to higher GCSEs. Depending on the route you decide to take, you can gain appropriate credentials through an apprenticeship, college course, or home learning options.
The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship typically lasts around 12 months, preparing you for work as a nursery assistant. You’ll receive on-the-job training, and apprenticeships can lead to employment.
The BTEC Early Years Practitioners is a popular college course, and employers regard a BTEC National Diploma highly. You can also explore NCFE Level 2 qualifications to demonstrate your knowledge and help you secure employment.
Level 3 qualifications
Level 3 qualifications are ideal if you want to progress into becoming a fully qualified nursery nurse, but they can also help you secure an entry-level role.
An early years educator T Level course can help you find employment in pre-schools and nurseries, with a core course component and the opportunity to pursue occupational specialisms.
The CACHE Level 3 Diploma: Early Years Workforce can also prepare you for work as a nursery practitioner.
Further certifications
While it’s not essential, some people boost their employment options by investing in a Paediatric First Aid Certificate, now available in a blended online course (St John Ambulance). There’s also the opportunity to study advanced qualifications to become a nursery nurse, room leader or manager.
Skills & qualities required to become a Nursery Assistant
Nursery assistants should have various skills, but the good news is you can learn most of them. If you have previous childcare experience, you’ll probably possess some of the following qualities.
Organisational skills
A significant component of the role will be arranging activities and supervising children in a nursery setting. Having strong organisational skills ensures you can monitor children effectively and always promote health and safety.
Interpersonal skills
Nurseries are collaborative environments where assistants and nurses work together to provide children with a safe and enriching experience. The ability to work well in a team and communicate with parents is central to the role.
Empathy and compassion
Every early years practitioner knows that there will be times when children misbehave, but treating them with empathy and understanding is integral to meeting each child’s emotional needs. Keeping a cool head ensures you provide children with the proper support and can resolve conflicts.
Creativity
A huge part of successful children’s care is providing entertainment and stimulation throughout the day. Thinking out of the box and creating fun – but educational – activities will keep parents happy and ensure the children in your care have a great experience.
Language skills
Young children are still developing their language skills, so you’ll need to have a sound understanding of non-verbal cues and be able to communicate clearly. If you work to support children with learning difficulties, taking time to understand them and learn their cues is essential.
What are the average salaries of Nursery Assistants in the UK?
Nursery assistants are entry-level, but your salary depends on qualifications and experience. According to the National Careers Service, the average starting salary for an unqualified nursery assistant is £14,500.
However, with experience and qualifications, you can earn up to £23,000. It also depends on where you work, with different cities offering higher hourly wages than others.
Research by Indeed highlights the highest paying UK cities for nursery assistants as:
- Bristol – £11.11 Hourly
- Cardiff – £11.38 Hourly
- Manchester £11.68 Hourly
If you decide to become a fully qualified nursery nurse, you can expect to earn a higher salary, so there are plenty of opportunities to build a rewarding career with plenty of prospects.
Find nursery assistant jobs
Whether you’re qualified or unqualified, volunteer and paid nursery assistant jobs are available. ABLE Staffing works with nurseries across the UK, helping them find suitable candidates for a range of positions.
If you’d like to diversify your employment options or want some general advice, please feel free to browse the nursery assistant available jobs on our website. Alternatively, you can contact us on 020 3551 4100 today and speak to a specialist advisor.
