Nursery manager

You can do a foundation degree or degree in child development or a related subject, such as:

• early years education
• psychology
• childhood studies

Some nurseries may prefer you to have early years teacher status (EYTS) .

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could start by doing a Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce.

You can also take other childcare qualifications but they must be at least level 3 if you want to become a manager.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could do an Early Years Educator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship or an Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

These can take from 18 to 24 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start as a nursery worker. With further training, for example, the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner, you could apply for management jobs.

You'll usually need at least 2 years' work experience with children in a nursery to apply to become a manager.

Career Tips

You will need a paediatric first aid certificate to work in a nursery.

Further Information

You can get more advice about working in childcare from Early Years Careers and Coram PACEY .

You can contact Early Years Careers by phone or email to get answers to questions about starting a career in early years education.

As a nursery manager, you would:

• create a safe and stimulating environment to promote learning
• update parents and carers on children's progress
• recruit staff and develop the nursery team
• keep records and create reports
• manage a budget
• make sure safety and child protection regulations are met

You could work in a nursery.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.