What qualifications do I need to be a nursery practitioner?

Many nurseries take on assistants with a Level 2 qualification and support them towards a Level 3 Early Years Educator. For a full practitioner role, employers usually want a Level 3.

Do I need paediatric first aid?

Nurseries must have staff with valid paediatric first aid on site, so it is very helpful to hold it. If you do not have it yet, say you are willing to take the course.

How do I show EYFS knowledge?

Name the areas of learning in your bullets and say how you used observations to plan the next activity. It shows you understand the framework, not just the routines.

Nursery practitioner CV example

A strong nursery practitioner CV shows warmth with young children and a clear grasp of the EYFS, backed by examples such as planning activities, writing observations and working with parents. It should list your Early Years qualification, paediatric first aid and DBS check.

Profile

Warm and organised nursery practitioner with a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and experience in the baby and toddler rooms of a busy day nursery. Skilled at planning play activities to the EYFS, writing observations and building trust with parents as a key person. Holds paediatric first aid and a current enhanced DBS check.

Experience

Nursery Practitioner

a day nursery (toddler room)

Looked after a group of six key children, planning activities around their interests and stage of development

Wrote weekly observations and updated learning journeys linked to the EYFS areas of learning

Planned and led messy play, story time, singing and outdoor sessions each day

Spoke to parents at drop-off and pick-up about feeding, sleep, nappies and progress

Followed safeguarding, hygiene and risk assessment procedures, including daily room and garden checks

Nursery Assistant

a day nursery (baby room)

Cared for babies from six months old, helping with feeding, sleep routines and nappy changes

Used songs, sensory baskets and floor play to support babies' early communication and movement

Worked alongside the room leader to keep records of meals, sleep and milk

Helped settle new babies and their parents in their first weeks

Completed paediatric first aid and safeguarding training and worked towards my Level 3 alongside the job

Example · fictional candidate · Prism design · Use this design

Tips for a nursery practitioner CV

Put your Early Years qualification near the top, such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Educator, and your paediatric first aid
Say which age groups you have worked with, such as babies, toddlers or pre-school, and the size of your key group
Mention the EYFS and show what you did: observations, planning and learning journeys
Include an example of working with parents, such as settling a nervous child or sharing progress
List safeguarding training and say you hold a current enhanced DBS check
Show that you are organised and calm with routines, outdoor play, mealtimes and hygiene

Applying with a cover letter? See our nursery practitioner cover letter example.