Nursery Jobs in London: Your 2026 Guide
The short answer
London has more nursery and early years jobs than anywhere else in the UK and offers a wider variety of settings and environments than anywhere else, which means finding the right role and understanding what is best for YOU is difficult…
In 2026, a full-time Level 3 practitioner in London can expect to be paid between £28,000 and £32,000, a Room Leader £30,000 to £35,000, and a Nursery Manager £40,000 to £55,000 or more. But the salary is only half the story. The setting, the location, the team, and the people leading it, will make or break whether you’re happy there.
Why it’s a good time to be looking
Nurseries need people and they’re struggling to find them. It’s that simple. The government estimated the sector needed 35,000 extra staff to deliver the expanded funded hours. The workforce grew by nearly 20,000 between 2023 and 2024, then by only about 600 the following year, according to NFER.
In plain English: good practitioners are in short supply. If you’re qualified, experienced and know what you want, you’re in a strong position. Especially in London. You don’t have to take the first thing that comes along, and I’d encourage you not to.
The types of early years setting in London
The biggest difference between nursery jobs is who owns and runs the setting, so that’s where I’d start.
- Nursery groups: from big national names to small local chains. They’re the largest employers in London. Most are open all year (apart from some closures at Christmas), with opening hours from 7/8am to 6/6:30pm. They usually offer much clearer and more realistic career pathways.
- Independent nurseries: single sites or a small group run by the same owner. They’re set up much like nursery groups, but often can’t match their salaries. What they may lack in salary, they can make up for in environment and close-knit support.
- School and maintained nurseries: nursery classes in primary schools, and local authority nursery schools. They’ve traditionally been term-time only, but many are now open all year.
- Workplace and corporate nurseries: run for the staff of a business, hospital or university.
- Wraparound childcare: breakfast clubs, after-school clubs and holiday camps. This can be a great option if you need very specific hours of work, or if your own children attend the school.
- Head office roles: operations, quality, training, and recruitment jobs with nursery groups. Great options for experienced early years people ready to step away from the floor or for anyone wanting to join from other sectors without childcare qualifications.
Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Forest School and other approaches
These aren’t different types of nursery. They’re different ways of teaching, and you’ll find them in independents and nursery groups alike.
If a specific approach to teaching and pedagogy really matters to you, search for it specifically. If you’d like to train in one, ask at application or interview stage whether the setting will support you.
Nursery jobs across London
London isn’t one job market. It’s a dozen of them, and your commute matters more here than anywhere. I’ve done the 2+ hour travel days myself out of London, and I wouldn’t wish them on anyone who doesn’t have to. And especially in London, you don’t have to.
- Central London: lots of premium independent and workplace nurseries, often paying at the top of the market. Factor in travel costs before you get excited about the salary.
- West London (Chiswick, Ealing, Hammersmith, Maida Vale): a strong mix of independents and groups in family-focused communities.
- South West London (Wimbledon, Balham, Southfields, Clapham): one of the busiest areas we work in, with growing groups and well-established independents. Great travel links.
- South East London (Peckham, Camberwell, Brixton, Bermondsey, Dulwich): real growth in new settings, and with it, new leadership roles.
- North London (Islington to Hampstead and beyond): a strong independent scene, with lots of settings following a particular approach.
- East London (Hackney, Stratford, Barking, Barking Riverside): some of the fastest-growing demand in the city as new homes bring new families.
What nursery jobs in London pay in 2026
London pays more than the rest of the UK, and it needs to. Here’s what I’m seeing for full-time roles right now:
Role Typical full-time salary (London, 2026)
Level 2 Practitioner National Minimum Wage (depends on age) – £28,000
Level 3 Practitioner £28,000 – £32,000
Room Leader £30,000 – £35,000
Deputy Manager £34,000 – £42,000
Nursery Manager £40,000 – £55,000+
These are typical ranges, not guarantees. Where you land depends on your experience and qualifications, where in London the nursery is, and the size and type of setting.
I would always encourage you to look past the number. For example, a four-day work week, a significant childcare discount, increased pension contribution, or a clear development pathway can be worth much more than an extra £1,000 a year.
What London nurseries look for
For nursery-based roles, we only support organisations looking for individuals with a full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 early years qualification, GCSE English (or equivalent), an enhanced DBS check (preferably on the update service), paediatric first aid, and a genuine love of working with children. For senior roles, they’ll also want experience leading a room or team, confidence with the EYFS and Ofsted, and the ability to build great relationships with parents. Lots of employers will support you to gain your next qualification while you work.
Benefits worth asking about
- Childcare discounts for your own children, which can be worth thousands a year in London
- Four-day weeks or nine-day fortnights
- Paid qualifications and CPD
- Travel support, cycle schemes, or season ticket loans
- A clear path from practitioner to Room Leader, Deputy, and Manager (and beyond)
How to find the right one
Before you look at salaries, be clear on what matters to you the most: your commute, the age group, the size of the team, and the kind of leader you work best for. Always visit the setting before you accept anything. You’ll learn more in ten minutes walking round a nursery than from any job advert.
I’ve personally worked with brilliant leaders and some not-so-brilliant ones, and it makes all the difference. So ask the questions. Who’ll be your manager? How long have the team been there? Why is the role open?
Where we can help
At Love Childcare Recruitment, we specialise in full-time and senior leadership roles: Practitioners, Room Leaders, Deputy Managers, Nursery Managers, Area Managers and head office positions. We know the settings, the managers and the cultures behind the adverts, and we’ll tell you honestly whether a role is right for you.
If you’re after part-time or wraparound work, there’s plenty out there in London and we can offer support and guidance in trying to find the right role.
Frequently asked questions
Are there lots of nursery jobs in London? Yes. London has more nursery and early years jobs than anywhere else in the UK, and nurseries are still struggling to recruit after the expansion of funded childcare hours.
How much does a Level 3 nursery practitioner earn in London? In 2026, usually around £28,000 to £32,000 full-time, depending on the setting, hours and experience. Room Leaders typically earn £30,000 to £35,000.
What qualifications do I need to work in a London nursery? Most roles need a full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 early years qualification. Some settings take on unqualified staff or apprentices and support them to qualify.
Do nursery jobs in London pay more than elsewhere? Yes. London roles generally pay more than the same roles elsewhere, and some employers pay the London Living Wage.
Is Montessori or Reggio Emilia a type of nursery? Not really. They’re teaching approaches, and you’ll find them in independent nurseries and nursery groups alike.
Can I work part-time in a London nursery? Yes. Lots of settings offer part-time, term-time and flexible patterns, and wraparound roles suit school-hours shifts. Our own service focuses on full-time and senior roles.
Looking for your next full-time or leadership role in London? Browse our latest nursery and early years jobs, see all our jobs, or connect with us and we’ll let you know when the right role comes up near you.
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