Nursery practitioners provide care and education for children from birth up to five years old. They are responsible for planning and supervising play and work activities that help young children learn and develop. They work in a nursery setting, playgroups and schools.
What does it take to become a nursery practitioner?
A nursery practitioner should be;
Warm and caring
Patient
Responsible
Communicate effectively with children and adults
Physically fit
Creative
Able to work in team
Work in partnership with parents
Aware of safety and hygiene
Organised
Observant
What do I need to become a nursery practitioner
You will need to be qualified, or working towards a CACHE Level 3 Early Years Educator (EYE) qualification.
As a nursery practitioner, you also need to continue your own professional development (CPD) to keep your practice up to date and to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and the requirements set out by Ofsted.
For your own professional practice, you must have:
Up-to-date paediatric first aid (renewed every 3 years)
Safeguarding understanding
Health & hygiene certificate
Complete understanding of the EYFS
Understand the observation, planning & assessment cycle
Have age-related experience and knowledge (for example, when working with children aged 0-1 years, the relevant baby care skills, such as making up bottles, weaning, hygiene, nappy changing. Or for pre-school aged children, the correct understanding of phonics and supporting transitions to school).
Little Ones Training for Nursery Practitioners
We offer a 1 day taster course, which gives you the opportunity to learn about a range of child-care related topics, including the Early Years Foundation Stage. This course can be completed at an OCN accredited Level 2 or 3 and will give you a guide to becoming a nursery practitioner.
*This will act as an introduction course, and will not be considered a full Level 3 qualification
