Nursery Teacher Job Description: Duties, Qualifications and Pay

Nursery teacher is a job title used loosely, and the looseness causes real confusion about pay. In a maintained school nursery class it usually means a qualified teacher with QTS, paid on the teachers’ pay scale. In a private day nursery it often means an experienced level 3 practitioner or room leader, paid on a nursery salary. Same title, very different terms. This guide separates them.

What does a nursery teacher do?

• Planning and delivering a curriculum that meets the Early Years Foundation Stage framework
• Observing and assessing children’s development, and keeping records that show progress over time
• Leading a room or class and directing the practitioners or teaching assistants working in it
• Identifying children who need additional support and working with the SENCO and outside professionals
• Preparing children for the transition into Reception
• Meeting parents, reporting on progress, and handling concerns
• Safeguarding, risk assessment and day-to-day welfare

Qualifications: QTS, EYTS and level 3

Three routes carry the title, and they are not equivalent.

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The route for teaching a nursery class in a maintained school. QTS teachers are paid on the school teachers’ pay scale, with London weighting, and have teacher terms including directed time and school holidays.
• Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). A graduate early years specialism. It is not QTS and does not confer qualified teacher pay or the right to teach in a maintained school as a qualified teacher, a distinction that catches people out.
• Level 3 Early Years Educator. The standard practitioner qualification. In private nurseries, senior level 3 staff and room leaders are often described as nursery teachers.

For context on setting requirements, the EYFS statutory framework requires the manager of a group setting to hold an approved qualification at level 3 or above, and at least half of all other staff to hold an approved level 2 qualification.

How pay works

Pay depends entirely on which of the three routes applies. A QTS teacher in a maintained nursery class is paid on the school teachers’ pay scale, which is set nationally and attracts inner, outer or fringe London weighting. A level 3 practitioner or room leader in a private nursery is paid a nursery salary, which is typically well below the teacher scale. Before accepting a role advertised as nursery teacher, establish which pay framework applies, because the title alone will not tell you.

Nursery teacher or nursery practitioner?

If you hold QTS and want teacher pay and conditions, you need a maintained school nursery class or a school-based nursery, not a private day nursery. If you hold a level 3 and want to lead practice, a room leader post in a strong private setting often gives you more autonomy sooner than a school would. Neither is better; they are different jobs sharing a word.

How to become a nursery teacher

1. Decide which route you want: QTS through initial teacher training, EYTS through an early years initial teacher training programme, or level 3 through a college course or apprenticeship
2. Gain experience across age groups, including babies and toddlers if you are heading for private settings
3. Build evidence of leading other adults, which is what separates a practitioner from a room leader
4. Get an enhanced DBS check and keep safeguarding and paediatric first aid training current

Frequently asked questions

Do you need QTS to be a nursery teacher?

To teach a nursery class in a maintained school, yes. In a private day nursery, no, and the title is commonly used for experienced level 3 practitioners and room leaders.

Is Early Years Teacher Status the same as QTS?

No. EYTS is a separate early years specialism and does not carry qualified teacher pay or the status of a qualified teacher in a maintained school.

What is the difference between a nursery teacher and a nursery practitioner?

In practice, level of responsibility. A nursery teacher usually leads curriculum, assessment and other staff. A practitioner delivers care and learning within the room.

What hours do nursery teachers work?

School nursery classes follow school hours and terms. Private nurseries open early and close late, typically running shifts across a 7am to 7pm day, all year round.

We recruit nursery teachers, room leaders and practitioners for schools and nurseries across London. Browse current vacancies or register with us. Settings looking to hire can request staff here.