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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Nursery Nurse / Early Years Practitioner

💰 $28,000 - $40,000

EducationChildcareSocial Care

🎯 Role Definition

As a Nursery Nurse or Early Years Practitioner, you are at the heart of our mission to provide outstanding care and education. You will be a key figure in children's daily lives, responsible for fostering their intellectual, physical, and emotional development through play-based learning. This role involves creating a warm, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere where every child feels valued and secure. You will act as a primary point of contact for parents, building strong partnerships to ensure a consistent and supportive approach to each child's care and learning journey. Your creativity, patience, and expert knowledge of the Early Years curriculum will be essential in shaping positive early experiences that last a lifetime.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Nursery Assistant
  • Apprentice Early Years Educator
  • Childcare Volunteer

Advancement To:

  • Senior Nursery Nurse / Room Leader
  • Deputy Nursery Manager
  • Nursery Manager / Head of Centre

Lateral Moves:

  • Primary School Teaching Assistant
  • Childminder (self-employed)
  • Family Support Worker

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Act as a dedicated Key Worker for a group of children, building strong, trusting relationships with them and their families to ensure their individual care routines, preferences, and developmental needs are fully met.
  • Plan, prepare, and implement a diverse range of creative and stimulating activities tailored to the children's interests and developmental stages, ensuring alignment with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
  • Conduct regular, detailed observations and assessments of children's learning and development, meticulously documenting their progress in learning journals and digital platforms like Tapestry or Famly.
  • Use your observations and assessments to inform future activity planning, ensuring that you are consistently challenging and supporting each child's individual learning journey.
  • Uphold and rigorously implement all nursery policies and procedures, with a particular focus on safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, and equal opportunities to ensure a secure and inclusive environment.
  • Foster a language-rich environment to develop children’s communication skills, using open-ended questions, storytelling, songs, and rhymes throughout the day.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment by performing daily safety checks, managing resources effectively, and setting up inviting and accessible indoor and outdoor play areas.
  • Support children's personal care routines with dignity and respect, including mealtimes, nappy changing, and toilet training, promoting independence and positive hygiene habits.
  • Work in close partnership with parents and caregivers, providing regular verbal and written feedback on their child's day, progress, and achievements, and organizing formal parent-teacher meetings.
  • Manage and promote positive behavior in line with the nursery's behavior policy, using encouragement and positive reinforcement to guide children's social and emotional development.
  • Prepare and serve nutritious snacks and meals for the children, being vigilant about dietary requirements, allergies, and cultural needs.
  • Identify and support children who may have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), working collaboratively with the nursery's SENCO and external agencies to implement tailored support plans.
  • Administer first aid as required, accurately recording any accidents or incidents and communicating them to the management team and parents in a timely and professional manner.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of the nursery by actively participating in team meetings, sharing ideas, and reflecting on practice during supervisions and appraisals.
  • Supervise and guide junior staff, apprentices, and students, acting as a positive role model and mentor to support their professional development.
  • Create and maintain vibrant, interactive displays of the children's work that celebrate their achievements and make the learning environment stimulating and engaging.
  • Ensure the seamless transition of children between rooms within the nursery or as they prepare to leave for primary school, sharing key information and preparing them for the next stage.
  • Take responsibility for the health and safety of the children in your care at all times, including when on outings or trips away from the nursery premises.
  • Promote an anti-discriminatory and inclusive practice, ensuring that every child is treated as an individual and that their cultural and linguistic backgrounds are valued and respected.
  • Engage in continuous professional development (CPD) by attending training courses, workshops, and staying current with changes in early years legislation and best practices.

Secondary Functions

  • Contribute to the planning and execution of nursery events, such as parents' evenings, open days, seasonal fairs, and graduation ceremonies.
  • Participate in regular staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
  • Assist with the induction and mentoring of new team members, apprentices, or students on placement, helping them acclimate to the nursery's policies and ethos.
  • Liaise with external professionals, such as speech therapists, health visitors, or educational psychologists, as required to support children with additional needs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Early Years Qualification: A full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Childcare (e.g., CACHE, NNEB, NVQ, or equivalent).
  • EYFS Knowledge: In-depth understanding and practical experience of implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.
  • Safeguarding Expertise: A current and thorough knowledge of child protection and safeguarding procedures.
  • Paediatric First Aid: A valid Paediatric First Aid certificate is highly desirable.
  • Observation and Assessment: Proficiency in conducting and recording observations to track child development.
  • Health and Safety: Strong understanding of health, safety, and hygiene standards within a childcare setting.
  • Food Hygiene: A Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate is often required or preferred.
  • SEND Awareness: Knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) code of practice.
  • Digital Literacy: Experience using nursery management software and digital learning journals (e.g., Tapestry, Famly, iConnect).
  • Activity Planning: Demonstrated ability to plan engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences.

Soft Skills

  • Patience and Empathy: The ability to remain calm, compassionate, and understanding, especially when dealing with young children's emotional needs.
  • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with children, parents, and colleagues.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: A strong team player who can work effectively with others to create a positive and cohesive environment.
  • Creativity and Imagination: The ability to devise fun, inspiring, and educational play-based activities.
  • Resilience and Adaptability: The capacity to handle the energetic and often unpredictable nature of a nursery environment.
  • Organisational Skills: Strong ability to manage time, prioritise tasks, and maintain accurate records.
  • Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges, whether related to child behavior or operational issues.
  • Nurturing Demeanor: A naturally warm, caring, and approachable personality that makes children and parents feel at ease.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Childcare, Early Years Education, or a related field. GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above) are also typically required.

Preferred Education:

Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), a Foundation Degree, or a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Early Childhood Education
  • Child Development
  • Education Studies

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of post-qualifying experience working within a busy nursery, preschool, or other early years setting.

Preferred:

3+ years of experience, including time spent in a Key Worker role with direct responsibility for planning, observation, and assessment for a specific group of children.

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