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How to become a Nursery Nurse

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Nursery Nurse jobs

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Nursery Nurse courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a Nursery Nurse

Nursery Nurse

| Up to £18,000

The role of a Nursery Nurse

What does a Nursery Nurse do?

Are you good with babies and toddlers? Are you always volunteering to look after your friends' children in your free time?This job involves taking care of babies and the very young while their parents are out at work and could be based at a privately owned nursery or one operated by a local authority.Daily activities can vary, but a typical Nursery Nurse will be involved with:

Planning and implementing learning-based play, such as baking, painting and making music
Teaching youngsters basic skills
Watching each child to ensure no mishaps take place
Reading stories and taking children on outings
Feeding the children and changing nappies
Tidying the nursery and making sure it is a safe envornment

Is a career as a Nursery Nurse right for me?

Firstly, being good with kids is pretty much a no-brainer. If you find children messy, noisy and a bit off-putting, then this definitely isn't the career for you.Aside from this, it will take hard-work, dedication and perhaps most importantly, patience to become a Nursery Nurse.Other key skills include:

A caring and approachable nature
Excellent communication skills, with both parents and toddlers alike
Organisational skills
A responsible outlook
Creativity and orginality, especially when planning activities
Did we mention patience?

What's it like to be a Nursery Nurse?

"My friends sometimes tell me they don't know how I cope with looking after raucous tots all day, but they obviously haven't realised how rewarding it is. It's fantastic to see a quiet, shy child come out of their shell - and some of the more outgoing ones provide plenty of laughs too! Although it's not all fun and games, like changing nappies and paperwork, I love knowing that I'm making a difference to these youngsters and their families."

Get qualified as a Nursery Nurse

Some employers ask for basic GCSEs in English and maths, but they are not necessarily pre-requisites. However, you will need to gain a recognised qualification in childcare before you can qualify.

Recommended Nursery nurse courses

Level 3 Diploma-Early Years Educator

The Learning Station

Regulated Early Years Educator Qualification. For working as a Nursery Practitioner/Teacher
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Qualification: Level 3 Diploma for the Children's Workforce (Early Years Educator) (RQF) Awarding Body : Training Qualifications UK Study Type: Part-Time Study, Distance Learning Entry Requirements: No formal requirements Duration: 12 Months
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Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

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Ofsted Approved Qualification, Most up-to-date Early Years Qualification for Nursery Assistants
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If you're currently working in or planning to join the early years sector, the Training Qualifications UK Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (RQF) could be your perfect fit. It is an invaluable stepping stone, especially if you're eyeing the Level 3 early years educ …
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