Nursery and Early Years teachers work in preschool, nursery and reception classes with children aged between birth and five years old. Nursery Teachers plan activities that are in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and encourage children’s development through the “learning and play” method. A Nursery Teacher should be enthusiastic, energetic and imaginative in order to engage each child in a way that expresses their full potential.
Experience required for nursery teacher jobs
A nursery teacher will need a minimum of 2 years working in Early Years Care and Education or as a primary/Early Years teacher Working with children aged between two and five years old.
Salary Range:
Junior or Trainee nursery teacher £10,000 - £14,000
Qualified and experienced nursery teachers £18,000 - £35,000
Nursery teacher job qualifications required
To become a nursery teacher you will need to have an Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) and you can achieve this by completing:
Early Years Initial Teacher Training course (EYITT) However most Nursery Teachers are also required to have degree in childcare or teaching.
QTS or BaHon in Early years or Childhood studies
Early Years Professional Status (EYPS)
Paediatric First Aid qualificaiton
Skills required for nursery teacher jobs
Excellent organisational skills
Able to create lesson plans and manage a classroom
Brilliant time keeping skills
Able to deal with challenging behaviour
Plenty of Patience
Creativity to find effective methods of engaging the children so they are having fun whilst learning
Comprehensive knowledge of safeguarding procedures
Duties and Responsibilities
Support and encourage children’s development using the “learning and play” method
Monitor children’s progress and identify any issues such as behavioural, learning and social interaction
Ensure that children are safe at all times
Encourage good behaviour
Organise fun activities
Set out activities before classes and tidy up afterwards
Create activities that build up children’s language, literacy and numeracy skills through different materials and play
Speak to parents and carers about their children’s development
Nursery Teachers usually work from 7am to 6pm however they may vary depending on where you work. Private nurseries offer extended hours and state funded nurseries are open during school hours. Normally Nursery Teachers will work up to 8 hours a day within these times however some settings are also open on Saturdays.
