Nursery Assistant

As a Nursery Assistant, you will help care for babies and young children, supporting their learning, play and development. You’ll create a safe, caring and fun environment where children can grow in confidence, learn new skills and get the best start in life.

You will work with children aged 0 – 5 years old, supporting their learning and development. You will engage in various tasks such as supervising play activities, assisting with meals and naps, maintaining and organisation within a nursery. You will need to record observations, summarise achievements and talk with parents, staff, and other educational professionals.

Nursery Assistant is also known as Early Years Practitioner.

Role Characteristics

Support children with learning and play activities
Help create a safe and welcoming environment
Encourage children's social and emotional development
Support children's daily routines and wellbeing
Work closely with families and other professionals
Help children develop confidence and independence

Skills

Attention to detail
Problem-solving
Taking initiative
Team work
Observation
Communication

Day in the life

Watch this video to find out more about the work of a Nursery Assistant.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

Volunteering or work experience

Apply directly

GCSEs

BTEC, T-Level or A-Levels

An apprenticeship

How to become

To become a Nursery Assistant, you will usually complete a childcare, education or health and social care qualification, or gain experience through work, volunteering or an apprenticeship. There are many ways to access this, and you can explore lots of current opportunities in the section below.

Study a course or qualification – useful qualifications include GCSEs in English and Maths, alongside subjects such as Health and Social Care, Child Development, Psychology or Education, as well as relevant T Levels and BTECs.
Gain experience working with children – this could include volunteering, helping with children's activities, sports coaching, mentoring younger pupils or community groups.
Explore childcare and early years apprenticeships to gain experience while learning.

You will then be able to work as a Nursery Assistant while continuing to develop your skills and qualifications.

Alongside education, you may also want to build some relevant work or voluntary experience in childcare, education, youth activities, community projects or care settings, and think about developing your communication, patience, teamwork, creativity, organisation and caring skills.

Where can this role lead

From your role as a Nursery Assistant, you could specialise in supporting children and young people by becoming a Residential Practitioner, Learning Disabilities Support Worker, Physical Sensory Impairment Support Worker or Community Development Support Worker. You could also move sideways into roles such as Activities Worker, Support Worker, Advocacy Worker or Community Champion, where you would continue helping people to learn, grow and thrive. With further qualifications and experience, you could progress into careers such as Social Worker, Health Visitor, Children's Nurse or Learning Disability Nurse. You could also move into other direct care roles such as Healthcare Support Worker, Maternity Support Worker, Peer Support Worker or Home Care Worker.

Location

Community Settings
Schools, colleges and universities

Working hours

Full Time
Part Time
Weekdays
Casual Hours
Overtime
Flexible Hours

Opportunities

BTECs, T-levels or A-levels

Leeds City College Health and Social Care courses

Find BTEC, T-Level or A-Level courses in Health and Care at Leeds City College

Organisation: Leeds City College

View opportunity

BTECs, T-levels or A-levels

Calderdale College Children and Early Years Courses

Careers centred around early childhood development can be particularly rewarding, and our professionally-recognised courses give you the skills, knowledge and experience to make a real difference in this industry.