Nursery Nurses are employed to assist with the non-clinical care of young children and babies (from birth to seven years old) within nurseries, schools, hospitals and private homes. Nursery nursing requires highly dedicated and responsible individuals as the role involves taking care of a child’s learning, play, education and social development.  Nursery nurses usually work in public nurseries, providing day care for babies and children of pre-school age.  Nursery Nurses employed in neonatal units usually work under a registered nurse and are responsible for feeding, changing and comforting newborn babies.

Generally Nursery Nurses need to have a qualification in Childcare – such as NNEB (National Nursery Examination Board) Certificate or an NVQ Level 3. 

Nursery Nurse work placements don’t usually require academic qualifications, but there is an expectation that you will have at least three GCSE’s grades (A-C) or equivalent. There are some relevant qualifications for the UK (excluding Scotland): City & Guilds Level 2 Progression Award in Early Years Care and Education / NVQ in Early Years Care and Education Levels 2 to 4 / BTEC National Diploma in Early Years / CACHE Level 2 Certificate / Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education.

Scotland’s requirement: Certificate of Registration from the Scottish Child Care and Education Board. This can be obtained in two ways: Completion of a programme of SVQ Level 3 in Early Years and Education OR Completing a SQA national certificate plus one year of a Higher National Diploma in Child Care and Education.

It is also necessary for all applicants / Nursery Nurses to have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check or to provide an enhanced disclosure. 

Successful Nursery Nurses will possess excellent organisation and communication skills – speaking / listening / writing, a great understanding of children’s needs whilst being highly resourceful, trustworthy and having an aptitude for attention to detail.  Lots of patience and a good sense of humour are also very useful assets.