Nursery Teacher CV example

As a nursery teacher, you play a foundational role in a child’s learning journey – and your CV plays a foundational role in your own career progression. You’ll need a CV that communicates your classroom skills and safeguarding knowledge.

This guide walks you through writing your CV – from formatting the layout properly to writing impactful content that reflects your abilities and experience.

Your CV needs to be as well-organised as your weekly activity plan. If it’s hard to follow or cluttered with too much information, recruiters simply won’t get to the part where you shine. A good structure helps present your teaching background clearly and professionally – so they can quickly see that you’re exactly the kind of nurturing, responsible person they need.

Here’s the layout to follow:

• Name and contact details – Display your personal information clearly at the top so employers can get in touch easily. Including a photo is entirely optional.
• Profile – Begin with a concise summary that highlights your expertise and what you bring to the role.
• Core skills – Highlight your strongest skills that align with the role’s requirements.
• Work experience – Start with your most recent role and work backwards, showcasing achievements and responsibilities.
• Education – Mention your degrees, certifications, and any training that supports your career path.
• Additional info – Include any additional details, like awards, professional memberships, or hobbies and interests that highlight your skills or personality.
  

Presentation matters. Use bullet points to make text easy to skim, format each section with clear headings, and pick a font that’s clean and professional – no Comic Sans, even if it’s nursery-themed! Stick to a two-page length limit, prioritising your most relevant experience at the top. This isn’t the place for finger painting – keep things neat and ready for review.

This short paragraph is your opportunity to reassure recruiters that you’re not only qualified, but also the right personality for the job. Nursery teaching isn’t just about lesson planning – it’s about care and calm leadership in a busy environment. 

A well-written CV profile helps convey both your experience and the impact you’ll have on a child’s development.

Here’s what to include:

• Where you worked – Mention the types of settings you’ve worked in, such as private nurseries, state-funded early years centres, or independent schools.
• Your top qualifications – State if you hold a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, a CACHE diploma, or a relevant degree in early childhood studies.
• Essential skills – Include high-level skills such as lesson planning for EYFS, safeguarding knowledge, child development tracking, or working with SEN children.
• Age groups supported – Mention the age ranges you’ve worked with (e.g. 6 months to 5 years), and highlight any specialisms such as baby room care or pre-school preparation.
• Value delivered – Demonstrate how you’ve created a safe, stimulating learning environment and built strong relationships with both children and parents.
  

The core skills section gives recruiters a quick overview of your abilities. For nursery roles, this is a great chance to show that you’re not only caring and approachable, but also competent in the specific practices and processes involved in early years education.

Rather than listing soft traits, focus on the tangible skills that recruiters are actively seeking – particularly those listed in the job advert. Tailor this section to match the job every time you apply.

This is where you show the practical experience that proves you’re ready to step into the role. Whether you’ve worked full-time in nurseries, supported classroom activities during placements, or managed learning environments solo, this section should reflect the depth and diversity of your experience. 

For each, begin with a short paragraph summarising the nursery, your role, and the general responsibilities. Then use bullet points to highlight specific tasks and achievements – from leading group learning to conducting parent meetings or supporting children with special needs. List your previous roles in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent job.

• Outline – Describe the type of nursery or childcare provider you worked for, the children’s age group, and what your main role involved day-to-day.
• Responsibilities – Use action verbs like “planned” and “delivered.” For example: “planned daily EYFS-aligned activities for children aged 2–4” or “delivered one-to-one support for children with speech and language delays.”
• Achievements – Highlight any positive outcomes you contributed to – improved development tracking, successful Ofsted results, increased parental engagement, or examples of creating inclusive learning environments. A useful tip is to use numbers where possible.

Your qualifications are essential for nursery teaching roles, and recruiters will be looking for the right level of training in early years education. If you’ve completed relevant academic or vocational courses, this is where to list them.

Start with your most recent qualification and work backwards. If you’re currently working towards a qualification, mention that too – especially if you’re completing it alongside work. You can also mention relevant short courses in safeguarding, paediatric first aid, or SEN support.