Working in a nursery
Nurseries usually provide full day care for babies and children up to the age of 5. Some nurseries may also provide holiday or after school care for children aged 5-8 yrs. Practitioners work with babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers in a play based approach entitled Early Years Foundation Stage (www.nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk).
Working hours in a nursery are often on a shift basis as the nursery may be open between 7.30am and 6.30pm daily. Most nurseries are open for 50 weeks of the year and most close at weekends and bank holidays. The majority of nurseries in Southampton are operated as private businesses.
What would I be doing?
As a nursery practitioner, you will work as part of team providing a carefully planned, stimulating range of activities through a secure, fun and safe environment. Part of your day will involve caring for babies' and children's personal needs such as feeding, nappy changing and sleeping. A key skill for working in a nursery is the ability to build a relationship with babies, young children and their parents or carers.
What qualifications do I need?
There is a current government requirement that at least 50% of all staff hold or are working towards a full and relevant Level 2 qualification. Many nurseries require individuals to hold a full and relevant level 3 qualification before starting work. You should also hold as a minimum certificates in Literacy and Numeracy at level 2 and be prepared to achieve at least a C grade at GCSE English and Mathematics during your career and before you move onto higher level study at level 5.
Many nurseries will employ a Modern Apprentice who will be working and studying for formal full and relevant level 2 or level 3 qualifications.
If you are looking to climb the career ladder to a deputy or management role you should hold as a minimum C grades in English and Mathematics and a full and relevant level 3 qualification. Many managers/senior staff now undertake study at level 5 Foundation Degree in early years and childcare or management.
By 2015 the government expects all nurseries providing full day care for children to employ a graduate Early Years Professional Status practitioner. For more details on this status visit the Children's Workforce Development Council website.
What do I do next?
The Children and Young People's Information Service (CYPIS) hold details of vacancies working in childcare in the early years sector in Southampton. If you have a specific enquiry staff at CYPIS (0800 169 8833) will take your details and ask one of our advisors to contact you within 5 working days.
Updated September 2011
