Nursery Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of early childhood education, the role of nursery nurses has never been more crucial.

As our understanding of children’s developmental needs continues to evolve, the demand for nurturing, knowledgeable, and skilled nursery nurses grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a nursery nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the heart of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the world of early childhood education,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable nursery nurse job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Nursery Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Nursery Nurses work with children from birth up to seven years of age, providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow.

They work closely with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure the child’s well-being.

Their responsibilities often include:

• Providing a safe and stimulating environment for young children in their care
• Planning and supervising activities like arts and crafts, music and cooking
• Helping children to learn numeracy skills through activities like counting games
• Reading stories and providing activities to develop the children’s language skills
• Observing and recording children’s progress, behaviour and development
• Feeding and changing babies and young children
• Ensuring the health and safety of children and staff are maintained during all activities, both inside and outside the nursery or school
• Working with parents to help children progress towards educational and behavioural goals
• Attending meetings and training courses as part of continuing professional development
• Working with colleagues to plan and coordinate work both indoors and outdoors

 

Nursery Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Nursery Nurse to provide care and education for young children in our nursery setting.

The Nursery Nurse will be responsible for planning and supervising activities to aid children’s development and learning, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.

Our ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of child development, has excellent communication skills, and is able to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for children to grow and learn.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide care and supervision for children, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times
• Plan and implement educational activities and stimulating play opportunities to aid child development
• Monitor and record children’s progress, development and behavior
• Communicate effectively with parents and caregivers about children’s progress and needs
• Maintain clean and safe environment for the children
• Follow health and safety guidelines to prevent accidents and spread of diseases
• Work collaboratively with other nursery staff and participate in training and meetings
• Adhere to nursery policies and procedures

 

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in childcare
• Proven work experience as a Nursery Nurse or similar role
• Good knowledge of child development and up-to-date education methods
• First aid and child protection training are desirable
• Patient and nurturing personality with an ability to remain calm under pressure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Enhanced DBS check

 

Benefits

• Pension Scheme
• Health insurance
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Generous Holiday Entitlement
• Childcare Discounts

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Nursery Nurse
• Work Environment: Nursery setting. Must be comfortable working both indoors and outdoors and have the ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Nursery Manager or Nursery Head.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: To be discussed during the interview process.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time / Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, relevant certificates and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Nursery Nurse Do?

A Nursery Nurse works primarily in early years education settings, such as nurseries, preschools, or private homes, providing care and learning support for children under the age of five.

Their key responsibility is to assist in creating a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment where young children can learn and develop.

This involves planning and supervising activities like arts and crafts, music, and physical education to support children’s cognitive and physical development.

Nursery Nurses observe each child to assess their skills, interests, and needs, and then use this information to adapt learning experiences and routines.

They help children to develop basic learning skills (such as literacy and numeracy) and social skills (like taking turns, interacting with others, and sharing).

In addition to this, they also take care of basic needs of children, such as feeding, dressing, and changing diapers for infants.

Nursery Nurses also communicate with parents about their child’s progress and behavior on a regular basis.

They may also identify children who may have special needs and work with parents and other professionals to ensure those children get the support they need.

Above all, a Nursery Nurse aims to ensure that the children under their care are safe, happy, and reach their developmental milestones in a nurturing setting.

 

Nursery Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A competent nursery nurse should have the qualifications and skills that are aligned with the care and development of children, such as:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to connect with children, understanding their needs and fostering a safe and nurturing environment for them.
• Strong knowledge of child development and early childhood education to create engaging activities that stimulate cognitive, physical and social growth.
• Communication skills to maintain open lines of communication with parents and guardians about their child’s progress, behaviour, and any concerns that may arise.
• Patience and resilience to manage children’s behaviour, help them overcome challenges and handle any emotional situations.
• First aid skills and health and safety knowledge to ensure the wellbeing of children under their care at all times.
• Organizational skills to manage schedules, plan activities, and keep records of each child’s progress and development.
• Ability to work in a team, collaborating with other nursery staff to ensure the smooth running of the facility and the best outcomes for the children.
• Qualifications in childcare such as a diploma in child care or early years education or a relevant NVQ or equivalent.

 

Nursery Nurse Experience Requirements

Nursery Nurses typically require a qualification in childcare, such as a diploma in childcare or early years.

This involves a significant amount of practical placement experience working with children in a nursery setting, providing the basic level of experience required for most Nursery Nurse roles.

Some Nursery Nurses may gain additional experience by volunteering or working part-time in a childcare setting, such as a daycare center, kindergarten, or as a private nanny.

Nursery Nurses with 1 to 2 years of full-time experience are typically able to handle more complex tasks and responsibilities such as planning and implementing learning activities, supporting children with special educational needs, or managing hygiene and feeding routines.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of child development and behaviour management strategies.

They may also have experience in administrative tasks, like maintaining records and liaising with parents and other professionals.

Nursery Nurses with more than 5 years of experience may have accumulated some leadership experience, such as supervising and training less experienced staff or managing a room or department within a larger nursery.

These individuals may be ready for a managerial position, like a Nursery Manager or Early Years Coordinator.

 

Nursery Nurse Education and Training Requirements

A Nursery Nurse generally holds a qualification in child care, most commonly a Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education or a Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce.

These programs provide the necessary knowledge and skills to work with children from birth to five years old.

In addition to the diploma, they are also required to have a valid pediatric first aid certificate.

This training ensures that they are able to respond effectively to any medical emergencies that may arise while caring for young children.

Many roles also require a Nursery Nurse to have obtained a GCSE in English and Math at grades A* to C.

This is to ensure that they have a sufficient level of literacy and numeracy to support the educational development of the children they care for.

Some positions may require Nursery Nurses to have additional training in areas such as special educational needs (SEN), safeguarding, or health and safety.

These can be obtained through further study or on-the-job training.

In order to work with children, all Nursery Nurses must undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

This ensures that they do not have a criminal record or any other reason that they should not be working with children.

Continuous professional development is also important in this role.

This can involve attending workshops, conferences, and courses to keep up to date with the latest research and developments in early years education.

Experience working with children is also highly beneficial.

This could be in a nursery, preschool, or primary school setting, or through voluntary work.

 

Nursery Nurse Salary Expectations

A Nursery Nurse earns an average of $27,000 (USD) per year.

The actual salary a Nursery Nurse receives can be influenced by factors such as years of experience, qualifications, and the location of the job.

 

Nursery Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a nursery nurse need?

Nursery nurses need strong communication and interpersonal skills as they interact with children, parents, and other staff members daily.

They also need a high level of patience and the ability to stay calm in stressful situations.

Additionally, creativity is key for planning activities that engage and educate children.

Understanding child development and basic health and safety protocols is also crucial.

 

Do nursery nurses need a degree?

A degree is not necessarily required for a nursery nurse; however, they need to have a minimum qualification of Level 3 in Childcare or a similar field.

Some employers may prefer candidates with a degree in Early Childhood Education or a related discipline.

All nursery nurses must also have an updated DBS check to ensure their suitability to work with children.

 

What should you look for in a nursery nurse’s resume?

In a nursery nurse’s resume, look for relevant qualifications in childcare and experience working with children of the same age group that your nursery caters to.

Also, look for evidence of continuous professional development, such as additional courses or certifications in child safety, first aid, or child psychology.

References from previous employers in a similar field are also valuable.

 

What qualities make a good nursery nurse?

A good nursery nurse is caring, compassionate, and has a genuine love for children.

They are patient and understanding, able to manage children’s moods and behaviors calmly and effectively.

They should also be creative and energetic, able to plan and implement engaging activities that aid in children’s development.

Good nursery nurses are also reliable, responsible, and have a strong understanding of child safety and welfare.

 

Is it difficult to hire nursery nurses?

Hiring nursery nurses can be challenging, as it involves ensuring the candidate is suitable to work with children and has the necessary skills and qualifications.

While there may be plenty of applicants, finding a candidate who is a good fit for your nursery’s environment and values can take time and effort.

It’s important to conduct thorough interviews and background checks to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children in your care.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve explored the wonderful world of being a nursery nurse.

Surprised?

It’s not just about changing diapers.

It’s about shaping the future, one small child at a time.

Armed with our handy nursery nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for creating precision-crafted listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every moment spent nurturing a child contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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