Nurseries provide all day care for babies and children up to the age of 5. They are generally open from 8.00 am – 6.00pm but some run 7.00 am – 7.00pm or longer. Nurseries are usually open all year round, except for weekends and bank holidays. There are all kinds of nurseries – some run privately, others by the Local Authority, voluntary or community groups, schools, colleges or employers.
Nursery Nurse or Supervisor
As a Nursery Nurse with a level 3 qualification you will be responsible for planning activities for the children as well as the supervision of any unqualified staff.
You will be able to work without supervision as a Nursery Nurse or Supervisor. You could also work as a key worker responsible for the daily needs of the children in your care. You may be supported in your role by a nursery assistant. With further experience, you could work as a Nursery Manager or become an advanced practitioner. As a Deputy or Supervisor you will assist the manager by helping with staffing and curriculum planning and deputising in their absence. You could be responsible for a team of staff and specialise in a particular area i.e. Baby or pre school care.
What to do next
If you are interested in a career in a nursery you should contact Children’s Workforce Strategy Team on 01942 486251. You will be invited onto a free six week training programme called Step into Childcare which will introduce you to various topics such as:
- The National Care Standards
- How Children Learn
- Safeguarding Children
- Special Educational Needs
- Every Child Matters.
Attendance on this course is needed to qualify for funding onto a level 2 qualification to fit your chosen career pathway.
Nursery Nurse or Supervisor – Qualifications
Vocationally Related Qualifications (awarding Body)
- Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education (CACHE)
- Level 3 Certificate in Childminding Practice (CACHE)
- Level 3 Certificate of Professional Development in Work with Children and Young People (CACHE)
- Level 3 Diploma in Pre-school Practice (CACHE)
- Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Care and Education (CACHE)
- Level 3 BTEC National Certificate in Early Years (EDEXCEL)
- Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Early Years (EDEXCEL)
Occupational Qualifications
- NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education (C&G, CACHE, EDEXCEL,)
- Children's Care Learning and Development Level 3
- Children's Care Learning and Development Level 4
- Early Years Sector Endorsed Foundation Degree Level 5
- Early Years Professional Status Level 6
