What does a Nursery Practitioner do?
A Nursery Practitioner is employed by hospitals, schools, nurseries and private homes to assist with non-clinical care of babies and young children. They organise outings, plan simple lessons and teach basic social skills such as personal hygiene and discipline. In more formal settings, Nursery Practitioners may create a structured environment that includes quiet time, solitary play and exercises focused on arts.
Nursery Practitioner skills and qualifications
A successful Nursery Practitioner candidate will have a range of prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:
- Familiarity with computers and popular software packages for writing reports
- In-depth understanding of children’s development and their emotional, physical and intellectual needs
- Physical fitness to lift and handle children and equipment
- Familiarity with the legislative requirements relating to the provision of child care
- Ability to write reports and keep a record of the learning and progress of each child
- Time management skills
- Ability to work well in a team
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Nursery Practitioner experience requirements
Many employers look for candidates with at least two years of experience working with children in a school or nursery environment. Some employers consider candidates who have worked in a childcare setting for one year, but they need to complete on-the-job training. Some employers also accept candidates who have worked either as a volunteer at a local playgroup or as a Nursery Assistant under the supervision of more experienced staff.
Nursery Practitioner education and training requirements
Many employers require candidates to have a Level 2 or Level 3 childcare qualification, such as Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce, Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce or Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce. If candidates don’t have these qualifications, they will need to complete a Level 3 Early Years Educator Award, such as Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education or Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner. Some nurseries look for candidates who have achieved Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).
Nursery Practitioner salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Nursery Practitioner in the UK is £19,373 per year. Their actual salary varies depending on their level of experience, the nursery or child care facility they work at and its geographical location.
Job description samples for similar positions
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