Qualifications improve your chances; they do not gate the job. Level 2 is the most recognised.
Pay range: National Careers Service.
Your route in
You can start without qualifications - direct entry/volunteering; a qualification improves your chances
Qualifications employers recognise (Level 2)
Any of these strengthens your application.
- Level 2 Certificate in Working with Children in Early Years and Primary Settings L229 courses
- Level 2 Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People L226 courses
- Level 2 Diploma in Caring for Children and Young People L216 courses
- Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Diploma L215 courses
- Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce L213 courses
- Level 1 Certificate in Childcare L112 courses
Add-on certificates
Complements to the main route. Where no level is shown, the awarding body does not specify one.
Where this can take you
As an experienced nursery worker you could specialise in working with children who have difficulties with learning, physical disabilities, or need support with their mental health. With further training, you could: apply to be a room leader or senior nursery worker, move into management as a nursery manager and become an early years teacher.
- BTEC National Extended Certificate in Children's Play, Learning and Development L319 courses
- Level 3 Certificate in Childcare and Education (NCFE CACHE) L314 courses
- Paediatric First Aid (Level 3) L36 courses
- BTEC National Diploma in Children's Play, Learning and Development (Early Years Educator) L34 courses
Courses for this career
See free Nursery Assistant courses
Level 1
- Level 1 Certificate in Childcare L112 courses
- Level 1 Certificate in Health and Social Care and Children's Settings L11 course
- Level 1 Diploma in Childcare L11 course
Level 2
- Level 2 Certificate in Working with Children in Early Years and Primary Settings L229 courses
- Level 2 Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People L226 courses
- Level 2 Diploma in Caring for Children and Young People L216 courses
- Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Diploma L215 courses
- Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce L213 courses
Level 3
- BTEC National Extended Certificate in Children's Play, Learning and Development L319 courses
- Level 3 Certificate in Childcare and Education (NCFE CACHE) L314 courses
- Level 3 Award in Childcare and Education (Early Years, Stage 1) L33 courses
- Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce L32 courses
- Level 3 Award in Early Years, Childcare and Education L32 courses