Can a Teaching Assistant Work in a Nursery in the UK 2025?

Can a teaching assistant work in a nursery? Yes! Teaching assistants can definitely work in nurseries in the UK. Typically, most nurseries ask for Level 2 or 3 Early Years qualifications, a DBS check, and a genuine love for helping little children learn and play. It’s a great way to gain experience, build your skills, and grow your career in early years education.

In this blog, I’ll break down what it’s really like to move from being a TA into a nursery role — the skills you’ll need, the qualifications nurseries look for, how the pay stacks up against school jobs, and the training routes that can help you take your career further.

Difference Between Teaching Assistant and Nursery Practitioner

Teaching Assistants (TAs)

TAs mainly work in schools, helping teachers with lessons and classroom activities. For example, you might support reading, writing, maths, or children with special needs. It’s a role that needs patience, care, and a love for helping kids learn. As a result, seeing children grow and succeed is really rewarding.

Nursery Practitioners

Nursery practitioners focus on children under five, supporting early development through play, care, and learning activities. From songs to social skills, feeding, or nappy changes, every day is hands-on and full of energy. Both roles, however, aim to keep children happy, safe, and learning.

The two roles overlap because both focus on helping children learn, grow, and stay happy and safe.

Can a Teaching Assistant Work in a Nursery?

Yes! Many teaching assistants move into nurseries, and it can be a really exciting change. You’ll usually get a chance if you have:

• Some experience with kids – in a classroom or any childcare setting.
  
• Safeguarding training – knowing how to keep little ones safe.That’s why our Safeguarding Children Training course is a smart step — quick, affordable, and CPD certified.
  
• A positive reference – someone saying you’re great with children really helps.

If you love being around little ones, nurseries are a fun place to work. You get to watch them laugh, play, and learn every day.

What Qualifications Do You Need for Nursery Work?

Thinking about working with little ones? Here’s what nurseries usually look for:

• Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualifications – these show you’re ready to guide little learners.
• A DBS check – to prove you’re safe and trustworthy around children.
• GCSEs in English and maths – not always a must, but they can open more doors.
• No qualifications yet? – don’t worry! Some nurseries will train you on the job while you work.

Working in a nursery isn’t just about the paperwork—it’s about heart, patience, and loving every small victory a child makes.

Key Responsibilities in a Nursery vs a School

In a Nursery

Working in a nursery means looking after very young children and helping them grow. For example, you’ll change nappies, feed them, and set up fun activities to help them learn. As they explore, you’ll cheer them on when they say new words or take their first wobbly steps. If a child feels sad, you can give a cuddle to make them feel better. Overall, you’ll make a happy, safe place where every child feels loved.

In a School

In a school, you’re part of a busy classroom team. You’ll also help with reading, writing, and maths, and guide kids when they’re struggling. Sometimes, you’ll calm things down when behaviour gets tricky or lend an ear when a child needs support. Additionally, you might help with lessons, tidy up, or join in on exciting school trips. Every small success—like a child nailing a tough spelling—feels like a big win for you too.

No matter where you work, nursery or school, both jobs need patience, kindness, and a big heart. In the end, the smiles and “aha” moments you’ll see every day are what make it all worth it.

How Pay Differs Between TAs and Nursery Roles

• School TAs: If you work term-time, you’ll usually earn around £16k–£19k a year. Over time, as you gain experience, your pay can go up, which feels nice when you see it on your payslip.
• Nursery staff: Full-time nursery jobs usually pay a bit more, around £20k–£26k, depending on your skills and where you work. Additionally, you might find some nurseries offer extra benefits on top of the salary.
• London pay: In London or other expensive areas, you get extra to help with living costs—it’s always a bonus!

Money isn’t everything, but it’s great to know what you can expect and feel valued for the work you do.

Benefits of Working in a Nursery as a TA

Working in a nursery as a TA comes with some great perks you’ll really enjoy.

• Learn by doing: You’ll spend every day with little ones, helping them play, laugh, and grow.
  
• Build your skills: It’s a great way to work towards an Early Years Educator qualification while gaining real experience.
• Open new doors: Nursery experience can lead to jobs in primary schools or special needs support.

Skills That Transfer from TA to Nursery

Lots of the skills you already use as a TA work really well in a nursery. For example, talking and listening to kids, helping with behaviour, understanding SEN, working with your team, and keeping children safe are all super important. Also, you’ll need patience, creativity, and staying calm when little ones are tired, upset, or having a tricky day.

Plus, paying attention to each child’s little wins makes a big difference. And, chatting with parents and your team helps the day run smoothly.

If you’re already a TA, you’ve got a head start! You know how to help children, support your team, and make the nursery a happy, safe place. Finally, your experience gives you confidence to handle any challenge with a smile.

Training Routes if You Want to Switch

Thinking about moving from being a school TA to a nursery? Don’t worry—you’ve got options!

• Level 2 or 3 Early Years Educator courses – get the qualifications that show nurseries you’re ready to work with little ones.
  
• Apprenticeships in nurseries – learn on the job, get paid, and pick up hands-on experience.
  
• Short CPD courses – quick courses in play-based learning, safeguarding, or child development to boost your confidence.
  
• Online courses – study at your own pace, whenever it fits your life.
  
• Workshops or local sessions – meet other TAs and nursery staff, learn new tips, and try things out.

These routes make switching roles easier. You’ll gain skills, feel more confident, and get ready to make a real difference in children’s lives!

Career Growth Beyond Nursery Roles

Starting in a nursery can take your career further than you might think! For example, you could begin as a nursery worker, then move up to room leader, deputy manager, and even nursery manager.

Along the way, you’ll pick up skills in leading a team, planning fun activities, working with parents, and keeping children safe and happy. Later on, if you fancy a change, your nursery experience can help you move into teaching assistant roles in primary schools or even special needs support.

With a bit of experience, training, and confidence, you can grow your career, take on more responsibility, and feel proud of the difference you make every day.

Quick Nursery & TA Stats (UK 2025)

• £16k–£19k → Average term-time pay for school TAs
  This is what most teaching assistants earn if they work term-time only.

• £20k–£26k → Average full-time pay for nursery staff
  Nursery jobs usually pay a bit more, depending on experience and location.

• 3.2% → Pay rise for most teaching assistants from April 2025
  A small boost to recognise the hard work TAs do every day.

• 50%+ → TAs who move into nurseries after school experience
  Many teaching assistants switch to nurseries after gaining classroom experience.

• Level 2/3 Early Years → Most nurseries’ preferred qualification
  Having these qualifications makes it easier to get hired and trusted with children.

• 100% → Safeguarding checks required for all staff
  Every nursery worker must have a DBS check to keep children safe.

FAQs

1. What does a teaching assistant do in a nursery?
   They help children learn and play, support daily routines, and assist staff with activities.
2. Can I work in a nursery without any qualifications?
   Yes, some nurseries train you on the job, but having a Level 2/3 Early Years qualification helps.
3. What jobs can I do with a teaching assistant qualification?
   You can work in schools, nurseries, special needs support, or even progress to senior roles.
4. What qualifications do I need to be a nursery assistant?
   Most nurseries prefer Level 2/3 Early Years courses, a DBS check, and sometimes GCSEs in English and maths.
5. Can unqualified staff work in a nursery?
   Yes, some nurseries allow unqualified staff and provide on-the-job training.
6. What is an unqualified nursery assistant?
   Someone who works in a nursery without formal early years qualifications, often learning while working.

Final Thoughts

So, can a teaching assistant work in a nursery? Absolutely! Many teaching assistants find exciting opportunities in nurseries across the UK. Typically, nurseries look for some experience with children, a DBS check, and it helps to have Level 2 or 3 Early Years qualifications.

Moreover, working in a nursery is different from a school classroom—you’ll spend your day helping little ones play, learn, and grow. From setting up fun activities to cheering them on when they take their first steps or say new words, every day is full of energy and joy. In fact, it’s a rewarding way to build your skills, gain hands-on experience, and open doors to a long-term career in early years education.

If you’re ready to take the next step, Unified Course has you covered. Check out our PGCE in Early Years Education Course or Teaching Assistant Course to gain practical skills, get certified, and open doors to a fulfilling career working with children.

Start your journey today and make a difference every single day!