Would it look bad to go from teacher to nursery worker?

[Imsosorryalan]

I'm a qualified teacher but haven't taught for a few years due to young dcs. I'm not sure i want to return to classroom teaching now due to family etc. if I applied to work as a nursery worker in a preschool would it look bad on any future school jobs? Not sure if it can be seen as a step backwards?

Spin it right.
Were you a primary teacher?

Yes

I've just done this. Teacher but off for 10 years as SAHM, I am now support staff - love it and have no intention of returning to teaching although if I had to, I don't feel it would look bad on my CV

Then you want to be a NW because you are fascinated by the early stages of language development and wanted the opportunities afforded to you which wouldn't be possible in primary.
Or the child-initiated learning.

Summat like that.
Think of active positives, rather than 'I don't want to work as hard because of my family commitments.'
Go in there and make them believe that you are truly interested in something that only they can give you, and that you have skills that would be a fantastic resource for them.

Loads of TAs are former teachers.

you can be a nursery teacher and access those opps, though, goblin
I don't see what's wrong with saying you still want to work in education but with family friendly hours until dc are older, it's the truth and eminently reasonable

It depends if the next candidate radiates enthusiasm and dedication, and makes the interviewers feel that she wants the job because of the opportunities that it offers, rather than 'It fits in with my family'
It is the sort of thing that pushes you down the list on a teaching interview.
Perhaps it's not the same in nursery.

it's not a teaching interview though
it would make sense for an early years educator role

I am very interested in doing the same Imsosorry - for the reasons that GoblinGranny states mainly! My questions is - would I have to retrain? I currently teach KS2 and have been in a Junior school for the last 10 years. IIRC my PGCE was for 'Primary' so I assume that is KS1/KS2. If I applied for a Foundation stage job would they even interview me? I have experience with preschool children out of school context (holiday clubs etc.) if that holds any relevance?!?

They'll interview you. I'd interview you for secondary TA posts! Give it as go and good luck.

I am now a primary TA, after having 4 years out from Secondary teaching to raise two kids. I love it. It's at my kids school and so I have no childcare costs. I do mainly intervention work with small groups, and cover the odd lesson and PPA. I'm working up to being a PPA teacher, with a view to swapping to primary teaching eventually when my kids are older. I love the TA job. No stress at the end of the day. Lots and lots of former teachers are TA's!