Early years practitioner
Work with babies and young children from birth until primary school age, helping them learn in a safe, happy environment.
Also known as: nursery worker, nursery teacher, nursery nurse, nursery assistant
About the job
A day in the life – Early years practitioner
What it's like
You would work with babies and young children from birth until primary school age, helping them learn in a safe, happy environment.
You would:
plan and run activities like arts and crafts, music and cooking
use activities and games to help children learn to count
read stories and do activities to develop the children’s language skills
take children on outings
feed and change babies
make notes about the children for use in reports
make sure that the national guidance on early years education is reflected in the children’s learning
keep the children safe and well at all times
report any worries to your manager, such as signs of abuse
You may have to act as a key worker for one or more children. This means checking on their progress and keeping their parents and/or carers updated.
You might like to specialise in working with children with physical disabilities, learning difficulties or mental health issues.
You would work in local authority childcare settings or privately owned nurseries.
Hours
Nurseries can be open from around 7am in the morning to 6pm in the evening. You would normally work eight-hour shifts within these times each day. Some settings are also open on Saturdays. Part-time work is widely available.
Environment
You would mostly work inside the nursery building, although you may sometimes supervise the children during outdoor activities or trips.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- social work
- child development
- gaelic language
- sap business connector
- positive end-expiratory pressure
- environmental studies
- officer training
- working with children ages 0-5
- simd
- cp system
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- developing a plan
- observation
- creative
- verbal communication
- listening
- supporting
- mediating
- cooperating
- building relationships
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Care
Childcare and Development
Human Biology
Psychology
Skills for Work: Early Education and Childcare
Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services Children and Young People
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need an NC in Early Education and Childcare (SCQF Level 6) or an HNC in Childhood Practice (SCQF Level 7), depending on your level of responsibility.
The entry requirements for an HNC in Childhood Practice are two highers including English.
You can also gain your qualification on the job. This would include an SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) (SCQF Level 6 or 7).
A Modern Apprenticeship is also available at SCQF level 7.
Qualifications and experience that show childcare abilities such as Skills for Work Early Education and Childcare (SCQF Level 4/5).
Once qualified you may wish to gain further Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) or Professional Development Awards (SCQF Level 7/8/9) qualification in Childhood Practice.
You would be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
You might need to be at least 17 years old to start some college courses.
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