Nursery nurses are specialists who look after the social and educational development of children up to the age of eight years old.

Working in co-operation with a teacher, they plan and deliver a balanced early years curriculum, while providing a caring, safe and welcoming environment so children can develop at their own rate.

Nursery nurses also work with other professionals from a variety of disciplines (eg, speech therapists and psychologists) and plan and provide appropriate learning experiences for children with special educational needs.

As key workers, nursery nurses are responsible for keeping records and sharing information about children's progress with their parents.

Nursery nurses have a Level 3 qualification in Child Care or Early Years and Education (previously known as NNEB).