You can do a foundation degree or degree in child development or a related subject, such as:

• early years education
• psychology
• childhood studies

Some nurseries may prefer you to have early years teacher status (EYTS).

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could start by doing a Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce.

You can also take other childcare qualifications but they must be at least level 3 if you want to become a manager.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

You could do an Early Years Educator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship or an Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

These can take from 18 to 24 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You could start as a nursery worker. With further training, for example, the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner, you could apply for management jobs.

You'll usually need at least 2 years' work experience with children in a nursery to apply to become a manager.

You'll need:

• leadership skills
• business management skills
• customer service skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

As a nursery manager, you would:

• create a safe and stimulating environment to promote learning
• update parents and carers on children's progress
• recruit staff and develop the nursery team
• keep records and create reports
• manage a budget
• make sure safety and child protection regulations are met

You could work in a nursery.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.