6111 Early education and childcare assistants

In short

• ONS unit group 6111, in minor group 611 (Teaching and childcare support occupations) and major group 6 (Caring, leisure and other service occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £33,400 (£17.13 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

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 entry routes

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.

Tasks

• 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

Related job titles

• Child care assistant
• Crèche assistant
• Nursery assistant
• Nursery nurse
• Playgroup assistant
• Pre-school assistant

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

6111 Early education and childcare assistants

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Early education and childcare assistants

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

6111 Early education and childcare assistants

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

6121, 6122, 6123

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Early education and childcare assistants

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Other unit groups in minor group 611

• 6112 Teaching assistants
• 6113 Educational support assistants
• 6114 Childminders
• 6116 Nannies and au pairs
• 6117 Playworkers

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

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