What does a Nursery Teacher do?
A Nursery Teacher is employed to work with small children and babies in a preschool setting. This setting includes playgroups, nurseries and children’s hospital wards. Nursery Teacher help young children to develop their cognitive and learning abilities before they begin formal education at the age of five. A Nursery Teacher is responsible for teaching basic skills such as speaking, physical coordination or colour recognition. They do this by organising fun and stimulating activities such as songs or group games while encouraging interaction between children in a safe and secure environment.
Nursery Nurse skills and qualifications
Nursery Nurse require early years teaching skills, alongside a passion for and knowledge of working with babies and small children. Nursery Nurses also need excellent organisational and communication skills, and relevant teaching qualifications to succeed in the job. Here are the primary skills and qualifications of a Nursery Nurse:
- Ability to teach a variety of early years topics and subjects, including popular songs and rhymes
- Ability to observe progress and development to prepare accurate reports for parents
- Ability to work with other preschool staff, including Teaching Assistants and Nursery Managers
- Ability to understand the needs of young babies, children and their parents
- Knowledge of childcare regulations and procedures
- Qualified with Early Years Teacher Status
- Ability to pass an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check
- Possess a paediatric first aid certification from a recognised organisation such as the Red Cross or NHS
Nursery Nurse experience requirements
Nursery Nurse need at least one year of experience working with babies and small children. Employers can look for Nursery Nurse applicants who have gained experience through work experience placements in schools and volunteer work at nurseries or playgroups. Employers also consider candidates with experience teaching older children, such as primary school-age classes, as they will have transferable knowledge that can be applied to a nursery setting.
Nursery Nurse education and training requirements
Nursery Nurses need excellent results in English and maths at both GCSE and A-Level. Candidates can also earn a Level 2 Certificate in Childcare and Education or a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care through college courses. Employers need applicants to have the correct early years education training, which is commonly gained through a teaching degree or a post-graduate Early Years Initial Teacher Training course.
Nursery Nurse salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Nursery Nurse in the UK is £19,092 per year. Salary may be dependent on experience, location and company.
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