Nursery practitioner: the role, pay and how to qualify

A nursery practitioner works with young children in a nursery or other early years setting; the National Careers Service profile for the role is nursery worker. In England, how you count in staff to child ratios depends on your qualification. A full and relevant Level 3 counts at Level 3, and without a full and relevant qualification you work as an unqualified member of staff.

Each course has a 7-day free trial and a 14-day money back guarantee on every payment.

You do not need a Level 2 first. The Level 3 is open from age 16 with no other entry requirements. You study online with a named UK tutor and complete at least 300 hours in an Ofsted registered setting that follows the EYFS, employed or as a volunteer. Your practice is observed there by your tutor or a workplace witness.

There are no exams. You build a portfolio, your work is marked in 5 to 7 working days, and referred units can be resubmitted at no extra cost. The DfE lists this diploma as full and relevant at Level 3. Some settings need you to be 18 for an enhanced DBS check or lone working, so check with the setting before you start your placement.

• A suitable Level 2 English qualification, such as GCSE English grade 4 (C) or Functional Skills English Level 2, to count at Level 3.
• Paediatric first aid within three months of starting work.
• A setting that will take you on for your placement hours, paid or voluntary.

The Level 1 Award is a short introduction for people thinking about childcare, parents and volunteers. It is assessed by written work with no exams and no observations. It does not count you in ratios, so treat it as a first step, then move on to the Level 3.

The Level 2 Certificate in children and young people's mental health is a knowledge qualification for people who already work with children, in nurseries, schools or youth work. It adds to a practitioner qualification; it is not a route to one.

The National Careers Service gives nursery worker pay as £16,000 for a starter to £24,000 when experienced, working 30 to 40 hours a week on a rota.

For what the job involves day to day and the older title of nursery nurse, read how to become a nursery nurse. For the full route into an early years educator role, see how to become an early years educator.