Childcare

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• volunteering
• applying directly

College

You can take a college course before looking for work in a nursery. Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Childcare
• Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care - Early Years Educator
• T Level in Education and Childcare

A paediatric first aid certificate will also be useful but is not essential.

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to T levels
• funding advice

Apprenticeship

You could get into this career through an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship as an early years practitioner or educator.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Work

You can work as a nursery assistant and learn on the job. You'll usually need GCSEs in maths and English to start. Experience of working with young children will also help.

Volunteering and work experience

You can get experience by volunteering at a local nursery group or after school club. This may lead into paid work, where you could do training on the job.

Direct application

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got experience of working with young children and a qualification in childcare.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

More information

Further information

You'll find advice on careers and courses in childcare from the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years and the National Day Nurseries Association.

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.

You could take a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification or an early years lead practitioner higher apprenticeship to move on to room leader, senior nursery worker or centre manager.

You could study towards a higher education qualification in early years or child development. You could then move into management or early years teaching.

You could teach in a further education college.

Find out more about teaching in further education from Teach in further education.

You'll find information on careers and courses in childcare from:

• Pre-school Learning Alliance
• Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY)
• National Day Nurseries Association

Foundation Years has information about early years education and childcare.