Early education and childcare assistants Pay Data UK — 2025

Early education and childcare assistants roles in the UK earn a median of £24,915 per year, equivalent to £13.99 per hour as of 2025. This represents a 6.3% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £19,149 to £37,015 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Early education and childcare assistants roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Early education and childcare assistants

Early education and childcare assistants assist in the care of children from birth up to seven years of age in day or residential nurseries, children’s homes, maternity units and similar establishments.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• may work under the supervision of more experienced practitioners
• baths, dresses, prepares feed for and feeds babies, changes babies clothing whenever necessary
• supervises young children at mealtimes
• plans and organises games and other activities and supervises children’s play
• reads stories, organises counting games to help develop language and number skills
• communicates with parents and colleagues on children’s development and well-being

Entry Routes and Qualifications

Entry is most common with GCSEs/S grades followed by the award of a certificate from the Council for Awards in Children’s Care and Education. An NVQ/SVQ in Child Care and Education or equivalent qualification up to level 3 may be required to work in this role. A DBS check is mandatory.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.