Working in EYFS and Nursery Settings
Early years and nursery roles are distinct from other school-based work. The environment, the responsibilities, and the qualifications involved are all different. This article explains what is available, what you need, and what to expect.
What roles are available?
The roles available in EYFS and nursery settings through Zen Educate include unqualified nursery teaching assistants, Level 2 and Level 3 Early Years Practitioners, Nursery Nurses, Childcare Practitioners, Room Leaders, and Nursery Chefs.
The right role for you will depend on your qualifications and experience.
What qualifications do you need?
For unqualified nursery TA roles, no formal qualifications are required.
For Level 2 and Level 3 roles, you will need a recognised Early Years qualification. There are a number of qualification titles that fall under this — if you are unsure whether yours counts, the government website holds a full list of approved qualifications. In previous years these were often referred to as Nursery Nurse qualifications.
Paediatric First Aid is not a mandatory requirement for unqualified roles, though it is preferred.
For Level 2 and Level 3 candidates, Paediatric First Aid is a required component of your qualification itself.
Why do qualifications matter in nursery settings?
Nurseries are legally required to maintain specific staff-to-child ratios, and those ratios depend on the qualification levels of the staff present. This is a government requirement, not a preference.
The ratios are as follows.
For children under two, one member of staff is required for every three children. At least one member of staff must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification, and at least half of all staff must hold a Level 2 or above.
For children aged two, one member of staff is required for every five children. At least one member of staff must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification, and at least half of all staff must hold a Level 2 or above.
This means your qualification level directly affects whether a nursery can use you to meet their ratio requirements. Unqualified candidates can still work in nurseries, but they count differently toward the ratio.
What does a typical day look like?
Early years work is active, hands-on, and varied. You will be involved in play-based learning and activities, supporting children at mealtimes, and in some settings assisting with food preparation such as heating meals.
Personal care is part of the role. In a nursery setting you should expect this — though on a one-off daily supply day, schools will not always ask you to assist with personal care tasks. In longer-term placements it is more likely to be part of your regular responsibilities.
Maintained nurseries and private settings
EYFS roles are available in both maintained nurseries, which follow school term times, and private nursery settings. Private nurseries typically operate longer hours and are not term-time only, which can suit some candidates and not others. If you have a preference, make sure your availability and preferences are set up correctly in the app.
What should first-time candidates know?
Early years settings move quickly. There is a lot happening at once and the team needs everyone to be proactive and engaged from the start. Getting stuck in, following the lead of the permanent staff, and being ready to turn your hand to whatever is needed will make a strong impression.
Is this role right for you?
EYFS and nursery roles suit candidates who enjoy working with very young children, are comfortable with the physical and personal care aspects of the role, and can bring energy and warmth to the environment.
If you have questions about nursery roles or want to check whether your qualifications are recognised, message the team through the Help section in the app or email support@zeneducate.com.