So you want to know how to become a childcare tutor in the UK? Here’s the truth: it’s not just about knowing childcare—you need to know how to teach it. I learned this the hard way. When I made the switch from nursery floor to classroom, I thought my years of experience would be enough. Spoiler: they weren’t.
I had to study again, grab new qualifications, and learn how to teach adults instead of toddlers. But I’m glad I did. If you want to guide others into this field, here’s everything you need to know.
How to Become a Childcare Tutor in the UK
Let’s start with the basics. A childcare tutor teaches others how to care for children. You might work in a college, a training centre, or even teach apprentices. Your job is to pass on what you know about child development, safeguarding, and early education.
But here’s the key: having childcare experience isn’t enough. You need teaching qualifications too. The one most people start with is the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET). That’s the course I took. It taught me how to plan lessons, assess students, and manage a classroom.
You’ll also need a solid Level 3 or higher childcare qualification—like the CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Workforce. Plus, you’ll need a clean enhanced DBS check, and experience in the field.
In short, to become a childcare tutor you need:
- A recognised childcare qualification (Level 3+)
- At least a few years of hands-on experience
- A teaching qualification (like the AET)
- A clear DBS check
What No One Tells You About Becoming a Tutor
I wish someone had told me this: teaching is a totally different skill. You might be brilliant at working with kids, but teaching adults? That’s a new challenge.
At first, I struggled to explain things I did without thinking. Safeguarding, health and safety, child psychology—all easy to do, not so easy to teach. I had to break everything down. Learn to explain the “why” behind what I did.
But when I saw a learner finally “get it”, it made all the hard work worth it. That’s when I knew I was in the right place.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Work in Childcare?
Before you can teach it, you need to do it. Most people start with the Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Childcare. These can come from awarding bodies like CACHE or City & Guilds.
Here’s a quick list of core childcare qualifications:
- Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years Education and Care
- Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
- NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development
If you plan to become a tutor, aim for Level 3 or higher. Some employers even want you to have a Level 4 or 5 qualification.
How to Get the Right Teaching Qualification
The go-to starting point is the Level 3 AET (Award in Education and Training). This course used to be called PTLLS. It’s short—often only 3 months—and teaches you the basics of teaching adults.
After that, you can move on to higher-level qualifications like:
- Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET)
- Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET)
But AET is usually enough to get your foot in the door.
You can do it online, part-time, or even through your current employer if they offer funding. I did mine evenings and weekends while still working in a nursery.
Where Can You Work as a Childcare Tutor?
Once qualified, you can work in lots of places:
- Further education colleges
- Private training companies
- Apprenticeship providers
- Online learning platforms
You could even go freelance and run your own courses or workshops. Some tutors do a mix—college job during the week, private clients on the side.
What’s the Pay Like for Childcare Tutors?
This surprised me when I first switched roles. Teaching pays better than nursery work, especially long-term.
Here’s a general idea of what childcare tutors earn:
- Entry level: £22,000–£27,000 per year
- Experienced tutors: £28,000–£35,000
- Freelance/consultant level: Upwards of £40,000 (depending on clients)
Your pay depends on where you work, your qualifications, and how much experience you have.
The Real-Life Skills You Need as a Tutor
Classroom confidence matters. You need to be calm, clear, and open to questions. You also need to be great at giving feedback. Not just “good job” or “needs work” but useful, kind advice.
You also need to stay up to date. New government policies, safeguarding rules, Ofsted frameworks—all change often. I make time every month to read updates from the Department for Education or local councils.
Also? Get good at Zoom. Online teaching is a huge part of training now. Hybrid teaching—some online, some in-person—is the new normal.
My Route: Nursery Floor to Classroom Tutor
Let me walk you through what I did:
- Got my Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma
- Worked 5 years in nursery settings
- Took my AET qualification (evening class)
- Started part-time teaching at a local training provider
- Slowly built up to full-time tutor work
It wasn’t quick. But each step made the next easier. If you’re thinking about it, start with the AET while you’re still working.
Other Roles in Childcare You Might Like
Not sure tutoring is right for you? That’s okay. There are other paths too:
Childminder
- Work from your home
- Must register with Ofsted
- Need paediatric first aid, childminding training, and DBS check
Nanny
- Work in the child’s home
- Often freelance/self-employed
- Paediatric first aid and experience expected
Nursery Assistant/Educator
- Work in early years settings
- Need Level 2 or 3 qualifications
- Usually employed
Residential Care Worker (Children’s Home)
- Work with looked-after children
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare needed
- Shifts, weekends, emotional demands
Each job fits a different lifestyle. Some like the structure of a school day. Others prefer the flexibility of childminding.
What I’d Tell My Past Self Before Becoming a Tutor
- Get that AET early. Don’t wait until you’re burnt out from nursery work.
- Keep learning. Join webinars, read sector news, ask questions.
- Stay flexible. You’ll teach learners from all walks of life.
- Don’t panic. Your first session will feel scary. That’s normal.
It gets easier with time. And better. I’ve now taught over 300 learners and I’m still learning something new each week.
How to Become a Carer for Your Own Child (Bonus Section)
This one comes up a lot. If your child has disabilities or extra needs, you might qualify for help as a carer.
You don’t need formal childcare qualifications to care for your own child. But you can apply for benefits like Carer’s Allowance. You must:
- Care for your child 35+ hours a week
- Your child must get a disability benefit (like DLA)
- You can’t earn more than the weekly income limit
Carer’s Allowance is about £83 a week (as of 2025). Some local councils also offer extra support.
Final Thoughts
This is the answer to “How to become a Childcare Tutor in the UK?”If you love helping people grow, this path could be perfect. You’ll need patience, heart, and a sense of humour. But you’ll also get real joy from watching others succeed.
It’s not a fast path, and it’s not easy. But if you’ve got the passion and you’re willing to learn, becoming a childcare tutor in the UK could be the best move you ever make.
Start small. Get your AET. Keep your childcare skills sharp. And never stop learning.
I didn’t. And now I get to help others step into a field that changed my life.
Ready to teach the next generation of childcare pros? Enrol in our Child Care courses now at Unified Course—your journey starts here.
