What is a Nursery Nurse?

Louise Petty

February 25, 2026

5 min read

Nursery nurses play a vital role in supporting young children during their earliest and most important stages of development. Many people explore this career because it offers the opportunity to shape young lives, support families and pursue a rewarding profession. In this article, we’ll look at the duties of a nursery nurse, the qualifications needed to become a nursery nurse and the skills a nursery nurse needs to have to be successful in the role.

What is a Nursery Nurse?

A nursery nurse is an early years professional who supports the care, learning and development of babies and young children, typically from birth to five years old. They work as part of a team to create a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment where children can grow, explore and build essential life skills.

Nursery nurses contribute to children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development during their formative early years. They support children’s routines, observe child development and work closely with parents and carers to promote each child’s wellbeing.

Nursery nurses commonly work in:

Day nurseries.
Pre-schools.
Children’s centres.
Private childcare settings.
Hospital or community nursery provision.

Nurseries need qualified and trained staff to meet their regulatory requirements, maintain safe staff-to-child ratios and ensure children receive high-quality care and early education.

Nursery Nurse vs Nursery Practitioner

The terms ‘nursery nurse’ and ‘nursery practitioner’ are often used interchangeably. In many settings, both roles involve similar responsibilities, such as supporting learning, ensuring safety and meeting children’s care needs.

Some employers choose to use ‘nursery practitioner’ as a broader title, while ’nursery nurse’ may link to a role held by someone with a recognised early years qualification. The exact title can vary by employer, but the core purpose of supporting young children remains the same.

Nursery Nurse Duties

Nursery nurses balance caregiving with early years education, ensuring all children are safe, engaged and supported throughout the day.

Typical day-to-day nursery nurse duties include:

Supervising children during play, learning and daily routines.
Planning and supporting age-appropriate activities that encourage learning through play.
Assisting with feeding, nappy changing and toileting.
Maintaining a clean, safe and organised environment.
Observing and recording children’s development and milestones.
Supporting children’s social skills, confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Communicating with parents and carers about their child’s progress.
Following safeguarding and health and safety procedures.
Encouraging positive behaviour and respectful interactions.

How to Become a Nursery Nurse

There are several pathways into a nursery nurse role, making it accessible whether you are leaving school, changing careers or returning to work. Common routes include:

Applying for entry-level Nursery Assistant roles and training on the job.
Completing a college course in Early Years Education.
Undertaking an apprenticeship in Early Years Childcare.
Volunteering in a nursery or childcare setting to gain experience.

Qualifications for a Nursery Nurse

While you may start in an assistant role without formal qualifications, most nursery nurse positions require a recognised early years qualification. Common qualifications include:

Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner.
Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator).
T Level in Education and Early Years.

Training that may also help you stand out during a job interview include:

A certificate in Paediatric First Aid.
Safeguarding Essentials training.
Knowledge of Safeguarding Children in Education.
Autism Awareness training.
ADHD Awareness training.
A Speech and Language Development certificate.
A certificate in managing Challenging Behaviour.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) awareness.

nursery nurse high fiving with child in wheelchair

Nursery Nurse Skills

Alongside a formal qualification, nursery nurses need a variety of soft skills in order to support young children and work effectively with both families and colleagues. The role involves building trusting relationships with children, responding sensitively to their needs and creating a nurturing environment where they feel safe and confident to explore.

Nursery nurses must also communicate clearly with parents and carers, share observations about development and work collaboratively with team members to ensure consistent, high-quality care and learning experiences.

Important nursery nurse skills include:

Patience and empathy.
Strong communication and listening abilities.
Emotional intelligence skills.
Creativity to plan engaging activities.
Observation skills to monitor development and wellbeing.
Teamwork and collaboration.
Reliability and professionalism.
Understanding of child safety and safeguarding responsibilities.
The ability to remain calm and reassuring in busy environments.

Working as a nursery nurse can be fulfilling for those who enjoy nurturing children’s development, encouraging learning through play and helping children feel safe, confident and valued. With multiple pathways into the role and strong demand for early years professionals, becoming a nursery nurse can be an excellent choice for those who are passionate about helping small children reach their potential.