Check your nursery practitioner CV against the job advert
Nursery adverts look for the right qualification, real experience of the EYFS, and someone who can be a calm, reliable key person. Here's how to show it.
Start with your advert
Every nursery practitioner advert is different. The list below is what adverts for this job usually ask for, not what yours does. So start with your advert:
- Read the advert and copy out every "must have" or "essential" line, then the "desirable" ones.
- For each one, find the line in your CV that proves it. If you can't point to a line, that's a gap.
- Fill the gap with something true: a duty, a setting, a qualification or a result you really have. If you don't have it, say what you have that's closest, or leave it out.
Our guide to matching your CV to a job description goes through this in more detail.
What nursery practitioner adverts usually ask for
An early years qualification
Why they askNurseries need staff with "full and relevant" qualifications to meet staffing rules. Many adverts ask for a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification or a Level 2.
How to show itGive the full qualification name and level, and when you got it, near the top. If you're studying, say when you'll finish.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Level [2 or 3] [qualification name, such as Early Years Educator], completed [year].
The EYFS in practice
Why they askThe Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards for learning, development and care in England. Adverts want practitioners who plan around it.
How to show itShow how you planned activities around children's interests and next steps, and the age group you worked with.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Planned activities for the [age group] room around children's interests and EYFS next steps.
Key person role and observations
Why they askBeing a key person and keeping observations and learning journals up to date is a core part of the job. Adverts may name an app.
How to show itSay how many key children you had and how you recorded progress.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Key person for [number] children; recorded observations and progress in [learning journal app].
- Shared progress with parents at [handovers / parents' meetings].
Paediatric first aid and safeguarding
Why they askPaediatric first aid and safeguarding training are standard requirements in early years.
How to show itList the courses with dates.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Paediatric first aid ([full or emergency], [year]); safeguarding children training ([year]).
Working with parents and the team
Why they askGood relationships with parents and colleagues are part of the job, especially for room leader roles.
How to show itOne line on parent communication, and one on leadership if you've led a room.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Led the [age group] room team of [number], including rotas and supervision.
Only use a line if it's true for you. Swap each [gap] for your own detail: the setting, the number, the tool or the result. If you can't fill a gap honestly, cut that part of the line.
Mistakes that cost nursery practitioner applications
- Not giving the exact name and level of your qualification.
- Writing "I love working with children" without showing what you did with them.
- Leaving out the age groups you've worked with.
- Forgetting first aid and safeguarding dates.
Questions
Can I work in a nursery without a qualification?
Some nurseries take unqualified staff or apprentices, but many adverts ask for Level 2 or 3. Look for apprenticeship roles if you're starting out.
What is a "full and relevant" qualification?
It's a qualification the Department for Education recognises for counting in staffing ratios. Check your certificate's exact title on the government's early years qualifications list.