Behind the scenes: Nursery workers and early years education

In this article, we will explore the daily experience of a nursery worker in Early Years education and the value of the role.  

Here, we shine a light on the dedication, compassion, and expertise of these individuals in nursery childcare, revealing the behind-the-scenes efforts that fuel Early Childhood education. 

Discover the challenges you may face, the joys you can certainly experience, and the profound impact you would have on the lives of children and families alike if you ever decided to go down this path.

So, you want to become a nursery worker?

Job role

A nursery educator is a childcare expert who is responsible for the education and well-being of young children in nursery and Early Years environments, either part-time or full-time.

Responsibilities encompass fundamental care tasks such as feeding, nap supervision, and ensuring a safe environment for children. Additionally, educators curate learning experiences in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS),  to aid in developing crucial cognitive, social, physical, and emotional abilities in infants and toddlers.

Responsibilities

This profession, as any that involves caring for children/caretaking of children, possesses a high degree of responsibility. These are some of the duties a nursery expert usually undertakes:

• Ensuring the safety and comfort of young children within a secure setting
• Organising and executing learning experiences, suitable for their age group
• Aiding in the development of the children’s social, emotional, physical, and linguistic skills
• Aiding in mealtime, tidying, and naptime routines
• Offering emotional support  to children during moments of dysregulation
• Evaluating children's welfare and advancements
• Participating in team meetings and educational training sessions
• Communicating with parents regarding their children's daily experiences
• Adhering to stringent health and safety protocols to safeguard the well-being of children

Salary range and opportunities

A nursery in the UK can pay an average salary ranging from £14,500 to £23,000 per year, and these professionals work approximately 37 to 40 hours a week. 

You would often work on a rota system spanning between 8am to 6pm, providing lots of options for flexible hours. 

A nursery job in London offers even further growth opportunities in terms of salary and career advancement.

At N, we value our team members as individuals and provide necessary support for their personal and professional development. From industry-leading salaries to round-the-world trips and flexible work schedules, we champion every dream at every stage of life. Check out our benefits.

How to become a nursery worker

Childcare experience helps

Before delving into a profession in Early Childhood care, it's vital to assess its suitability for you.

Consider first engaging in childcare for any friends or family with young children to gain firsthand experience. By putting in the work upfront, you can better determine whether this is the career for you.

An added benefit of this, other than allowing you to gauge your compatibility with childcare and exhibiting genuine interest in early years education, is that you could use these references during interviews for future positions.

Job roles to apply to / Applying for job roles

Becoming a nursery assistant or educator at a private nursery doesn't require you to undertake formal childcare or education credentials. You can start by seeking entry-level positions in nurseries and leveraging any prior experience in caring for young children (or other transferable skills) in your application. 

You are most likely going to be performing similar duties, with the added difference that you will be supervised by qualified staff, enabling you to improve as you attain a proven track record of work experience. 

Although you may be eager to start in a higher position, embracing this role can serve you as a valuable stepping stone towards further professional growth and development in the field.

Earn your stripes

As you engage in a role as a nursery student or assistant, consider pursuing qualifications in childcare to pave your way towards advancement to more senior positions within the nursery setting. 

Entry-level roles, such as educator, nursery nurse or practitioner, often require level two or three qualifications in childcare, while room leaders typically hold level three diplomas. 

Higher management positions typically call for qualifications at level four or above. Various credentials can aid you in career progression, including a level two Certificate in Childcare, a level three Diploma in Early Years Education and Care - Early Years Educator, a T-level in Education and Childcare, or a degree in Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT). 

By acquiring these qualifications, you not only enhance your professional competence but also open doors to broader opportunities for growth and development in the field of childcare, with superior salary opportunities awaiting you.

At N we offer a Nursery Apprenticeship programme, designed to help people start their Early Years career.

If you already have experience

Look for promotions in your workplace

After you've managed to get some flight hours under your belt, you become more eligible for advancement opportunities. This could either happen within your current nursery or elsewhere. Stay updated on potential promotions by keeping in touch with your room leader and networking, whether through social media or other types of social meetings. 

As you get more confident, explore new job prospects. After fulfilling assistant positions, you can aspire to become a practitioner, granting you greater autonomy in orchestrating activities for children under the guidance of your room leader.

Become a leader

As you accumulate further qualifications and expertise, you can contemplate the trajectory you wish to pursue in your professional journey. This may be becoming a room manager, pursuing a specialist role such as Forest School lead, or simply becoming the best educator you can be!

Alternatively, you may consider transitioning into a nursery manager role, typically requiring a level-four childcare qualification and managerial experience overseeing nursery operations, which can be acquired through a tenure as a Room Manager or Deputy Manager.

Here is what your career path might look like at N.

Essential skills

Here is what you’ll to equip yourself with if you want to thrive as an Early Years Educator :

Mastering the art of patience

To excel in childcare, patience is paramount. Working with children demands a calm and positive demeanour at all times. 

Arming yourself with patience and empathy involves immersing oneself in understanding children's behaviour and thoughts and dealing with those accordingly.

Being resourceful

Resourcefulness is key to success, and the early years world is no exception. From an entry-level worker to a management position, you must adeptly navigate unexpected challenges in early years environments. Maintaining composure under pressure and swiftly determining the best course of action will ensure the most effective resolution of incidents.

Forming deeper connections

Strong interpersonal skills are invaluable in all areas of life, and especially in childcare settings. Effective collaboration with colleagues and clear communication with young children is essential.

Developing a sound repertoire of emotional and communication skills, including an understanding of both verbal and nonverbal cues will help you to thrive as an Early Years Educator.

Our team at N prides itself on lifelong learning and enjoys support every step of the way, through our N Academy. It’s our dedicated learning and development platform built to help you become the expert in the work you love doing.

FAQ

Who is a nursery worker?

Nursery workers are essential educators who oversee the development of children aged 0 to 5 years. They provide children with basic care, plan learning experiences and activities for them, and support their emotional growth. Furthermore, patience, empathy, and a passion for Early Childhood education are key attributes for success in this role.

What do you call someone who works in a nursery?

Someone who works in a nursery is commonly referred to as a nursery worker, nursery practitioner, Early Years educator, or childcare provider. They are vital in nurturing and educating young children in the nursery childcare sector.

What is the role of a nursery?

The role of a nursery is to provide an environment for young children, babies and toddlers to learn, play, and develop essential skills before starting formal education.