Are you thinking about a new career in childcare? In the UK, there has never been a better time to make the switch. In late 2021, an Early Years Alliance study revealed how more than 80% of employers had found it hard to attract new staff. So, with nurseries in need and vacancies open across the country, now is the time to make sure your childcare CV is ready to impress.
If you're looking for a childcare worker job, it's one thing to have a real passion for looking after young ones. But you also need to be able to have the experience and skills to put on a resume for childcare. Having a strong CV is what will give you the best chance of success. But there's more than one correct way to present it – as long as it's clear and consistent.
Our recruiters in the care sector outline their top childcare CV writing tips here:
use our template to create a strong cv for nursery jobs
In the template below, you'll get a clearer idea of everything you should look to include on a CV for a nursery practitioner. We've also included some handy notes for you. Of course, you should tailor the document to suit your skillset and the child support worker job you're aiming for.
childcare cv for nursery vacancy - example
personal statement
Contact details:
Name, address, phone number, email.
Job title:
Childcare Worker
Profile:
Write a summary of the things that make you ideal for this post and why you want it. Don't make it long, though. A maximum of around 6 sentences is more than enough – e.g.:
I am a confident, knowledgeable worker who is dedicated to creating a stimulating, encouraging, safe atmosphere for each child's individual needs. During my five years' experience, I have developed strong skills in supporting young children and am genuinely passionate about providing the best childcare and play experiences. I have an excellent record of working successfully with families in different settings. I take pride in being able to handle difficult situations sympathetically but with professionalism.
Availability:
Here, let a potential employer when you can start. If you need to give notice, let them know if this is one week or three months! If you can start straight away, put that down.
add your skills and experience
Key Skills:
In this part of your nursery CV, add details of the specific job role and highlight the skills that make you ideal – such as:
- Extensive childcare experience
- In-depth and up-to-date knowledge of relevant principles, practices and techniques
- Ability to prioritise effectively
- Strong childcare and play skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Proven experience of working successfully in difficult and varied circumstances
Employment History:
Start with your most recent job and work back in time. If you recently graduated and are new to the sector, include details of placements. Provide details of:
- Dates
- Job title / level
- Organisation / brief address
- Key tasks and achievements – these can be given as either bullet points or more of a narrative, depending on your preference.
nursery nurse cv example 1
July 2012 – present: Childcare Worker, SW Children's Services, London
- Keeping records on individual children, including daily observations and information about activities, meals served and medications administered.
- Instruct children in health and personal habits such as eating, resting and toilet habits.
- Read to children, and teach them simple painting, drawing, handicrafts and songs.
- Organising and participating in recreational activities.
- Assisting in preparing food, serving meals and refreshments to children, organising and storing toys and materials in activity areas, running in-house creches within businesses, sterilising bottles and preparing baby milk.
- Knowledge of counselling to vulnerable children.
nursery nurse CV example 2
I work in a centre with vulnerable children, some of whom are on the "at-risk" register. The main part of my role involves ongoing support for the physical safety and emotional wellbeing of my clients, working closely with families and coordinating with external agencies as appropriate.
Voluntary Experience:
Add details of any voluntary work within your work history or under a separate heading:
Jan 2004 – June 2005: Volunteer befriender
I spent 18 months volunteering as a befriender and independent visitor for children in care.
Include all your jobs, but if there are too many, stick with the most recent and most relevant. Also, explain any gaps in employment:
April 2007 – March 2008: Pregnancy & bringing up my son
training, qualifications and education
Training/qualifications/professional memberships:
List all relevant professional training and any qualifications or awards earned – e.g.:
- NVQ Level 2 Childcare 2008
- Early Years Learning (accredited course, NetCare) 2010
or
- HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council) registration number: SW99999
Education:
Starting with the most recent and working back, provide the following details – dates, name of college or school, and any qualifications gained (e.g., GCSE):
Sept 1995 – July 2002: 7 GCSEs including English and Maths (or list them, and grades)
additional experience
In this section of your childcare CV, add anything relevant that helps demonstrate how you meet the specification for the role in question. That could include babysitting for an agency or temp roles in customer service where you used interpersonal and communication skills.
and finally
Remember, you should always adapt your childcare CV to suit each job you apply for. Use phrases from the job description or person specification to echo back. The facts remain the same too – don't make things up! But, at the same time, emphasise exactly how you meet the person specification or job description in your CV for a nursery practitioner.
Last but by no means least, proofread your nursery CV! Any typos or mistakes will look sloppy at best and could also make a potential employer doubt your suitability for the role you want.
