Firstly, what is a nursery nurse?

Nursery nurses take care of children up to the age of seven. They provide support from educational, social, and emotional in preschools or nursery settings.

In order to become a nursery nurse, you will need basic educational requirements such as GCSE in maths and english (grade C or above). Recruiters may also ask for other types of requirements such as childcare level training, NVQ and BTEC.

To be a fully qualified nursery nurse you will need to complete either:

• CACHE Level 3 diploma for the Early Years Workforce course.
• BTEC National Diploma in Children's Care, Learning & Development
• NVQ Level 3 Children's Care, Learning & Development

Of course, the more training and more importantly experience you have the better. It is essential that you have some type of exposure in the work environment as this will give you an idea of what is actually like working in a nursery or school. Securing roles in a placement or voluntary work will allow you to stand out from others.

Whilst studying, many start as nursery assistants or do apprenticeship training. Remember you will have background checks carried out by Disclosure and Barring Services.

Can I become a nursery nurse with little qualifications?

In this sector, experience is invaluable. Requirements will vary when applying for roles as nursery assistant or nursery practitioner as employers will often move towards your personal qualities and interests over academics. Recruiters will provide support and more information during the process!

When writing cover letters or in an interview, share examples of when you previously showed key skills such as communication, compassion, problem solving etc.

Are you considering a career in this? No day will be the same! Here are examples of what your responsibilities might be:

• Supervising Children and Lessons

You will not only need to assist the children with developing their numeracy and literacy skills but also make sure that they are safe! Keep a close eye on them while playing. You will also need to be involved in toilet training younger kids.

A large number of nursery nurses are first aid trained, however, not all establishments may require this.

• Planning Lessons and/or Activities

Whilst ensuring you are working within the Early Years foundation Stage you will need to try fun and educational activities for the kids. This will include: games, leading story times, sports and music. You will be working closely with nursery managers, teachers and supervisors to produce engaging activities to keep your children involved and learning!

In different situations such as taking care of SEN students, you will need to adapt the activities so everyone feels included.

• Ensuring Records Are Up To Date

Any issues or important information need to be reported and communicated with parents, carers and your manager. Records need to be detailed and kept in an organised manner in case it is needed in the future. These records will include attendance, events that happened in the classroom, learning goals, specific support needs and food allergies.

• Prepare Meals

One of your main jobs is to ensure all children are well fed and hydrated throughout the day. It is important you provide them with healthy and nutritious meals as well as keeping in mind specific dietary requirements. This is also your chance to teach them about healthy eating and its significance!

• Maintain Cleanliness In The Classroom

It is much easier to teach a young group of kids when the nursery is organised and tidy. As a nursery nurse / assistant, you will need to clean up after activities and meal times. Items in the classroom such as toys will need to be sanitised before children arrive. Their cleanliness is your job, from changing clothes to helping them with any accidents.

• Help Children Resolve Issues With One Another

As you will be working with young kids, they are still learning how to deal with emotions and interacting with others. You will need to supervise their attempts to work out conflicts and monitor signs of distress. You can use techniques such as compromise, meditation and treating one another with respect in your lessons to prevent it from happening often.

If you are patient, calm, assertive and responsive with a passion to work in the Childcare and Education sector then this could be the perfect job for you! Contact us today as we have strong connections with schools and nurseries all across the North West. Let us support your career move and register your details here.