Nursery nurses Despite the value of the work they do, many childcare workers remain lowpaid. This factsheet sets out any relevant industry agreements and examples of company pay rates which workers can use to check that they’re getting the ‘going rate’ for their job and as evidence to assist in negotiating a better pay deal. See our leaflet for more tips. The National Minimum Wage is the absolute minimum rate at which any worker (aged 18 and over) can be paid. Pay above this remains a matter of negotiation between the employer and worker, union or works council. Click here for the current rates. Average Wages According to the government’s New Earnings Survey for 2001 (latest figures available), the average earnings for nursery nurses are as follows: annually hourly Nursery Nurse £11,556 £6.25 NB. annual rates include overtime and bonus payments, hourly rates do not. Industry Agreements There are no 'industry agreements' which cover all nursery nurses and nannies. There are set pay rates for nursery nurses employed by a local authority or the NHS which apply nationally, and although in recent years there have been moves within the public sector towards local flexibility, these rates are still important. If you work for a local authority in England and Wales, or the NHS, and are employed on national terms you can use the information below to check you’re getting the correct rate. If you work for a private company, or for an NHS Trust or similar body, you can use these rates as a guide to help you negotiate your pay. Local Authorities (England and Wales) From: 1.4.01. For: 37 hr week Min Max Nursery Nurse £10,233 £12,879 NHS From 1.4.01. For: 37.5 hr week Min Max Nursery Nurse £11,559 £12,585 Day nursery Deputy matron £12,470 £15,655 Day nursery Matron £13,310 £17,270 Company Rates These are examples of rates paid: NURSERY ASSISTANT Careshare From: 1.9.00. For: 40 hr week Min Max Wage: £7,500 £9,500 Teddies Nurseries From 1.9.00. For: 43 hr week Min Max Wage: £4.50p/hr £5.00p/hr NURSERY NURSE Cambridge Housing Society From: 1.10.00. For: 39 hr week Min Max Wage: £12,005 £13,672 Teddies Nurseries From 1.9.00. For: 43 hr week Min Max Wage (NVQ2 qualified): £8,600 £10,500 Wage (NNEB qualified): £9,000 £12,000 Your rights Once pay rates have been agreed, they form part of the worker's terms and conditions and you have the right to be paid the agreed rate. Employers cannot change any term of a contract without the worker's agreement. See our leaflet on terms and conditions Low Pay Unit, Jan 2002 Please note that some information contained in this sheet is from IDS Pay Benchmark Directory, November 2001 (produced by Incomes Data Services (www.incomesdata.co.uK))

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