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What qualifications do you need to work in a nursery?

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Last reviewed 6 min readBy Lift College Editorial

Guide

You do not need a qualification for every nursery job: in England, anyone who does not meet the Department for Education's criteria can work in an early years setting as an unqualified member of staff. Staff need a full and relevant qualification to be counted at Level 2 or Level 3 in the EYFS staff to child ratios. To be counted at Level 3, you need a qualification the DfE recognises as full and relevant at Level 3, or to complete the DfE's experience based route, plus a suitable Level 2 English qualification, such as GCSE English grade 4 (C) or Functional Skills English Level 2. Level 2 maths is needed only by setting managers appointed on or after 4 January 2024. Staff who qualified since 30 June 2016 also need paediatric first aid within three months of starting work, and settings must get an enhanced criminal records check and barred list check (DBS) for everyone aged 16 or over who works directly with children. Lift College's Level 3 Early Years Educator is listed by the DfE as full and relevant at Level 3: you study online with a named UK tutor from £89.99 a month after a 7-day free trial, and complete at least 300 placement hours in an Ofsted registered setting where you work or volunteer.

Nursery roles and the qualification each one needs

Nursery roles and the qualification each one needs
RoleQualification neededOfficial source
Unqualified nursery assistantNone. You work as an unqualified member of staff and are not counted at Level 2 or Level 3DfE requirements and standards, 1.4
Practitioner counted at Level 2A full and relevant Level 2 (or higher), plus paediatric first aid if gained after 30 June 2016DfE requirements and standards, 1.10
Early years educator counted at Level 3A full and relevant Level 3 (or higher), or the DfE's experience based route, and a suitable Level 2 English qualification, plus paediatric first aid within three months of starting work if gained after 30 June 2016DfE requirements and standards, 1.3, 1.13; EYFS 3.46
Nursery managerAn approved Level 3 or above, ideally with at least two years' experience in an early years setting or two years' other suitable experience; Level 2 maths if appointed on or after 4 January 2024 (or within two years)EYFS 3.45
Early years teacherA degree and Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) through early years initial teacher trainingNational Careers Service
ChildminderNo set qualification level in the framework; a paediatric first aid certificate to register, aged 18 or over, and registration with Ofsted or a childminder agencyEYFS for childminders 3.42; GOV.UK

Students and long term volunteers aged 17 or over, and apprentices aged 16 or over, can be counted in ratios at the level below their level of study, if the provider is satisfied they are suitable, competent and responsible and they hold a valid paediatric first aid qualification (EYFS 3.57).

What "full and relevant" means

A full and relevant qualification is one the DfE has approved for counting in staff to child ratios. Every approved UK qualification is on the DfE early years qualifications list, which you can search with the Check an early years qualification service on GOV.UK, using your course start date.

A "nursery practitioner" advert can mean Level 2 or Level 3; our guide to what an early years practitioner is explains the levels.

Why nurseries look for Level 3 staff

The EYFS sets minimum ratios in group settings: one adult for every three children under 2, one for every five aged 2, and one for every eight aged 3 and over (one to 13 where a teacher with QTS, EYTS or EYPS works directly with the children). In each age group at least one member of staff must hold an approved Level 3, and at least half of all other staff an approved Level 2, except in the one to 13 groups. The setting manager must also hold an approved Level 3 or above.

English, first aid and DBS

  • English. Functional Skills English Level 2, or GCSE or International GCSE English language or literature at grade 4 (C) or above, both count. Without one, a Level 3 holder is counted only at Level 2.
  • Paediatric first aid. At least one person with a current certificate must be on the premises whenever children are there.
  • DBS. The check covers volunteers too, apart from supervised volunteers who only help out occasionally.

How do I become an early years educator in England?

The National Careers Service lists college courses (including the T Level in Education and Early Years), an Early Years Educator advanced apprenticeship, or starting as a nursery assistant or volunteer and training on the job. Practitioners with at least a year's experience in England can also be assessed by their setting through the DfE's experience based route. For each step, read our career guide to becoming an early years educator, or, to work from home, how to become a childminder.

Study the Level 3 Early Years Educator online with Lift College

Lift College's Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) (RQF) is studied online and awarded by TQUK (qualification number 610/3598/1). It is Ofqual regulated and listed by the DfE as full and relevant at Level 3.

  • How you study: online with a named UK tutor.
  • Placement: you must be employed or in a voluntary placement in an early years setting and complete and evidence at least 300 hours in an Ofsted registered setting that follows the EYFS. Your practice is observed there. Not in a setting yet? Ask an adviser before you enrol.
  • Assessment: a portfolio and observed practice, with no exams.
  • Time: typically 12 to 18 months at 8 to 12 hours a week.
  • Price: £89.99 a month, or £917.99 for the year, after a 7-day free trial, with no contract and 14-day money back on every payment.
  • Age: 16 or over.

For the full unit list and assessment, read our Early Years Educator Level 3 guide, or compare every course in teaching and childcare.

Your next step

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Frequently asked questions

Can I work in a nursery with no qualifications?
Yes. In England, anyone who does not meet the DfE's qualification criteria can work in an early years setting as an unqualified member of staff, but they are not counted in the staff to child ratios at Level 2 or Level 3. The setting still needs an enhanced DBS check with barred list check for you.
Do I need GCSE maths to work in a nursery?
Not to be counted in the EYFS ratios. The DfE requires a suitable Level 2 maths qualification only for setting managers appointed on or after 4 January 2024, who must hold one or achieve it within two years.
What qualification do you need to be a nursery manager?
The EYFS says the manager of a setting must hold an approved qualification at Level 3 or above and should have at least two years' experience of working in an early years setting, or at least two years' other suitable experience. Managers appointed on or after 4 January 2024 also need a suitable Level 2 maths qualification, or must achieve one within two years.
Can I get a nursery qualification online?
Yes, with a placement. Lift College's Level 3 Early Years Educator is studied online with a named UK tutor and assessed by portfolio and observed practice, with no exams. You must complete and evidence at least 300 hours in an Ofsted registered setting that follows the EYFS, employed or voluntary. It costs £89.99 a month after a 7-day free trial.

Sources checked