Care and support

Nursery nurse

Nursery nurses promote a stimulating environment for children. Nursery nurses can work in schools, hospitals, private homes, in day-care and alongside health visitors. The duties will vary depending on the location.

In day-care they prepare for the day’s activities and welcome the children and their parents. The activities could include structured play with sand, water, singing, painting, playdough, pretend play and physical play. It is important to provide activities that help children develop.

Nursery nurses supervise meal times, sleep time and the role may include toileting or nappy changing. Towards the end of the day, the children’s diaries are completed and any discussions are held with parents upon collection.

Nursery nurses need to be able to relate to children and understand them. They need to be observant, able to communicate with parents, children and professionals, be aware of health and safety issues, be able to work in a team and be trustworthy. Stamina is important as some of the work is physical

Nursery assistants are undertaking training to be nursery nurses and will be studying for NVQ level 2 or 3 in Early Years Care and Education whilst working. They carry out a full range of duties suitable for their experience and get time off to study.