Early education and childcare practitioners

To sponsor a early education and childcare practitioners on a Skilled Worker visa in 2026, the salary offered must clear three separate tests. The Home Office takes the highestof the three as the applicant's effective threshold.

1. 1
   General minimum

   £41,700

   Across all eligible occupations
2. 2
   Going rate for SOC 3232

   £33,400

   25th percentile UK earnings for the role
3. 3
   Hourly floor

   £15.88/hr

   Across 37.5-hour standard week

Some applicants can use a discounted threshold instead of the standard going rate. The lowest applicable rate wins.

1. 1Confirm your offer letter shows a basic gross salary of at least £41,700.
2. 2Subtract bonuses, overtime, commission, in-kind benefits and pension contributions — none of these count.
3. 3Check the hourly equivalent: divide annual basic by your contracted weekly hours × 52. Must be £15.88 or higher.
4. 4If you qualify for the new-entrant or ISL discount, apply it — they stack with each other to give the lowest floor.
5. 5Build in a £500+ margin: Home Office caseworkers round down, not up.

A sample of A-rated licence holders in the education sector — likely sponsors for early education and childcare practitioners roles.

• 1233
  Early education and childcare services proprietors

  £33,400
• 2311
  Higher education teaching professionals

  £52,600
• 2322
  Education managers

  £43,900
• 2323
  Education advisers and school inspectors

  £42,200
• 2324
  Early education and childcare services managers

  £33,400
• 6111
  Early education and childcare assistants

  £33,400