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Nursery Assistant CV Example

A nursery assistant CV highlights your experience supporting early years practitioners and engaging young children in developmental play activities.

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Key Skills to Include

Child Development KnowledgePlay-Based LearningHealth & SafetySafeguardingCommunication with ParentsPersonal Care RoutinesObservation & AssessmentTeamwork

Quick Tips

  • Include relevant early years qualifications such as CACHE Level 2 or equivalent.
  • Highlight experience supporting children's learning through the EYFS framework.
  • Detail your ability to build positive relationships with children and families.
  • Showcase any specialist knowledge such as SEN support or bilingual skills.

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How to Write Your Nursery Assistant CV

A nursery assistant CV should demonstrate your genuine care for young children, your understanding of early years development, and your ability to support practitioners in delivering high-quality care and education. Nursery managers look for candidates who are reliable, warm, and willing to learn. Whether you are starting your career or have several years of experience, your CV should show your practical skills, your qualifications, and your commitment to children's wellbeing and development.

CV Structure

Use a clear, one-page format with a profile, work experience (including placements), qualifications, and skills. Place your early years qualification and DBS status prominently. For each role, describe the setting, age range, and your specific responsibilities. Include achievements that show your initiative and impact on children's learning.

CV Format

Use a simple, professional template with clear headings and bullet points. Avoid overly creative designs. Ensure your contact details, qualifications, and DBS status are easy to find. Save as PDF.

CV Profile Examples

Experienced Nursery Assistant

Caring and motivated nursery assistant with three years of experience in a private day nursery supporting children aged 0 to 5. CACHE Level 2 qualified with a strong understanding of the EYFS framework and a passion for promoting children's physical, emotional, and social development through play. DBS checked and paediatric first aid trained with experience supporting children with additional needs including speech and language delays.

Nursery Assistant with Progression

Dedicated nursery assistant currently studying towards CACHE Level 3 Early Years Educator while working full-time in a nursery school rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Experienced in planning and delivering play-based activities across the prime and specific areas of learning. Key person for a group of eight children aged 2 to 3, maintaining learning journals, conducting observations, and liaising with parents on each child's progress.

New Nursery Assistant

Enthusiastic and patient school leaver with a BTEC Level 2 in Children's Play, Learning and Development and 120 hours of nursery placement experience. Experienced in supporting circle time, creative activities, and outdoor play in a pre-school setting. Holds a current DBS check and paediatric first aid certificate. Eager to begin a career in early years education and committed to furthering qualifications.

State your qualification level, years of experience, and the age range you have worked with. Mention your DBS status and first aid certificate. Highlight one quality that makes you effective in an early years setting, such as your patience, creativity, or communication skills.

Key Skills for Your Nursery Assistant CV

Child Development Knowledge

Understanding the stages of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development in children from birth to five years.

Play-Based Learning

Facilitating learning through structured and unstructured play activities that promote exploration, creativity, and development.

Health & Safety

Following nursery policies and procedures to maintain a safe environment including hygiene routines, risk assessments, and accident reporting.

Safeguarding

Recognising and reporting signs of abuse, neglect, or harm in accordance with the nursery's safeguarding policies and local authority procedures.

Communication with Parents

Building positive relationships with families through daily updates, written reports, and sensitive discussions about children's progress.

Personal Care Routines

Supporting children with nappy changing, feeding, toileting, and sleep routines with sensitivity and respect for individual needs.

Observation & Assessment

Carrying out observations of children's play and learning, recording evidence against EYFS development matters, and identifying next steps.

Teamwork

Working collaboratively with room leaders, nursery nurses, and other practitioners to deliver consistent, high-quality care and education.

Inclusive Practice

Supporting children with additional needs, English as an additional language, or varying developmental stages through adapted activities and resources.

Work Experience Examples

For each role, describe the nursery setting, your room allocation, and the age group you supported. Include specific responsibilities related to care routines, activities, observations, and parent communication. Add achievements such as positive feedback, resources you created, or progress you supported. Include placements as work experience if you have limited paid roles.

Nursery Assistant

Little Acorns Day Nursery, Nottingham

Supported the care and education of 24 children aged 0 to 3 in a private day nursery rated Good by Ofsted, working within a team of six early years practitioners.

Responsibilities

  • Assisted the room leader in planning and delivering age-appropriate activities linked to the prime areas of the EYFS framework: communication and language, physical development, and personal, social and emotional development.
  • Carried out daily care routines including nappy changing, feeding, and settling children for nap times, following the nursery's hygiene and health and safety procedures.
  • Completed regular observations of children's play and learning, contributing to individual learning journals and identifying next steps for development.
  • Communicated with parents at drop-off and collection times, sharing daily updates on activities, meals, and any concerns or milestones.
  • Maintained a clean, safe, and stimulating environment, setting up and tidying activity areas and conducting daily health and safety checks.

Achievements

  • Received positive feedback from an Ofsted inspector for the quality of adult-child interactions during a routine inspection visit.
  • Introduced a sensory play programme for the baby room that was praised by the nursery manager for supporting early physical development and exploration.
  • Supported three children with speech and language delays to meet their EYFS communication targets through targeted activities recommended by the speech and language therapist.

Nursery Placement Student

Sunny Days Pre-School, Derby

Completed a 120-hour work placement as part of a BTEC Level 2 qualification, supporting pre-school practitioners with daily routines and learning activities for children aged 3 to 4.

Responsibilities

  • Assisted with the preparation and delivery of creative, physical, and literacy activities aligned to the EYFS specific areas of learning.
  • Supported children during free play, facilitating interactions and encouraging sharing, turn-taking, and cooperation.
  • Helped with snack time, personal care, and transitions between activities, following the pre-school's routines and procedures.
  • Observed children's play and recorded observations under the guidance of the placement supervisor.

Achievements

  • Completed the placement with an Outstanding grade from the placement assessor, with particular commendation for enthusiasm and rapport with children.
  • Designed and delivered a small-world play activity linked to the story 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' that was adopted as a regular resource by the pre-school team.

Education & Qualifications

List your early years qualification first (CACHE Level 2 or 3, BTEC, or equivalent). Include your school qualifications, highlighting English and maths grades. Mention any additional training such as paediatric first aid, food hygiene, or safeguarding.

CACHE Level 2 in Early Years

A recognised entry-level qualification for working in nurseries and early years settings.

BTEC Level 2 in Children's Play

A vocational qualification covering child development, play, and learning in early years contexts.

Paediatric First Aid

A first aid qualification specific to treating injuries and illnesses in babies and young children.

Enhanced DBS Certificate

A criminal records check required for all roles working directly with children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to be a nursery assistant?
Most nurseries require or prefer a Level 2 early years qualification such as CACHE Level 2 or a BTEC in Children's Play, Learning and Development. An enhanced DBS check is mandatory. Paediatric first aid and safeguarding training are usually required and may be provided by the nursery. Some nurseries will hire candidates without formal qualifications if they show potential and are willing to study towards a Level 2 while working.
How do I write a nursery assistant CV with no experience?
Include any placement experience from college courses, volunteer work in nurseries or playgroups, and informal experience such as babysitting or caring for younger siblings. Detail the activities you assisted with and any feedback you received. Highlight your qualifications, first aid training, and personal qualities such as patience, warmth, and enthusiasm for working with young children.
What does a nursery assistant actually do?
Nursery assistants support the room leader and nursery nurse in delivering care and education to young children. Typical tasks include setting up activities, supervising play, carrying out care routines such as nappy changing and feeding, completing observations, maintaining a clean environment, and communicating with parents. The role requires energy, patience, and a genuine enjoyment of working with babies and young children.
Can I progress from a nursery assistant role?
Yes. Many nursery assistants progress to nursery nurse or room leader roles by completing a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. With further study, you could become a nursery manager, early years teacher, or specialist practitioner in areas such as SEN or speech and language support. Mention your career aspirations and current study on your CV to show your commitment to professional development.

More Teaching & Education CV Examples

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