What qualifications do you need?
If you are new to the nursery sector, whether you’re a school-leaver or looking for a career change, qualifications can help get you on the childcare ladder. The qualifications you choose to study for are going to depend on the role you want to do. Having relevant professional qualifications will be essential for moving forward.
Qualifications can play an important role in learning and development and there are a wide variety available within childcare. See below for some recognised examples.
Qualifications for nursery assistant
For this role, qualifications are not necessarily required as you will generally be working under supervision. This is a good step to start on, while you work towards your first qualification. Apprenticeship roles are a great way to gain practical experience whilst also learning new skills and gaining a qualification.
Courses that can help you progress in this role include:
CACHE Certificate in Child Care and Education Level 2
City & Guilds or BTEC Certificate in Children’s Care, Learning and Development
NVQ Children’s Care, Learning and Development Level 2
Qualifications for nursery nurse / practitioner
To become qualified for this role a level 2 or 3 childcare qualification is usually required. This level provides good knowledge and understanding with the ability to perform various tasks under supervision.
Courses that can help you prepare for work as a Nursery Nurse include:
Early Years Care and Education
Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce
Children’s Care, Learning and Development
Early Years Care and Education
Childcare and Education
Qualifications for room / team leader
To step into these roles, it will generally involve studying for a level 3 diploma in childcare. This qualification provides the knowledge required to be able to complete tasks and deal with fairly complex problems. This is an appropriate level for people who supervise and train others.
Qualifications for senior management
Managers who are responsible for the running of a nursery are recommended to have higher level childcare qualifications such as a level 4 or above. Amongst other things, this provides the ability to identify and use relevant methods and skills in complex and non-routine situations, understand the regulations for health, safety and well-being of children in early years settings, how to offer a child-centred approach to care and create an enabling, positive environment.
Your career in the nursery sector
Wherever you choose to start your career in the nursery sector, there are going to be opportunities to specialise in a specific area of expertise. There are many qualifications on offer to help you to progress and enjoy a higher salary as you continue to learn and grow in your chosen role. To get started, it is always worth looking out for jobs that will help you get on that first step as part of your training and work towards getting your first qualification in childcare.
To search for your next career move, check out our jobs section here daynurseries.co.uk/jobs
