Nursery Worker

Nursery workers work with babies and young children, caring for them and helping them to develop and learn. Duties vary but can include:

• feeding babies, changing nappies and preparing bottles or baby food
• encouraging children to develop social, number and language skills
• taking care of children's personal needs
• taking children on outings
• observing and assessing children
• making sure children are safe at all times
• working closely with parents and carers.

Salaries range from £10,000 to £35,000 a year.

Nursery workers work varying hours, Monday to Friday. Part-time work and jobshare may be available.

A nursery worker should:

• be patient and caring, with a sense of humour
• understand the social and emotional needs of children
• be able to motivate children to learn new skills
• speak clearly and be a good listener
• be firm and consistent in setting rules for good behaviour
• be creative and imaginative
• enjoy working with babies and young children.

Nursery workers are employed in day nurseries, children's centres, and the nursery classes of primary schools. Some work in private households as nannies.

It is possible to start work in a nursery and train on the job, possibly going to college part time. There are no set minimum entry requirements but it helps to have some GCSEs (A*-C), particularly in English and maths. The Diploma in society, health and development may be relevant for this area of work. Some employers offer Apprenticeships in children's care, learning and development.

It is also possible to train for nursery work by first taking a full-time college course. There are courses available that can lead to work as nursery assistants (who work under supervision) or as early years practitioners/nursery nurses (who are qualified to work unsupervised). Entry requirements vary between colleges.

There are many opportunities for further study open to both nursery assistants and early years practitioners/nursery nurses.

Nursery assistants can become early years practitioners/nursery nurses. They in turn may become room or team leaders, deputy managers and managers or officers in charge.

Some staff set up their own nurseries. It can be possible to work abroad, in large hotels and holiday centres and on cruise ships. Nursery workers may become teaching assistants, playworkers or care assistants. Depending on their qualifications, they may be able to train for careers such as teaching, lecturing and social work.

Further details