Could I get work in a nursery setting?

[fishinmyhair]

I have a degree, a PGCE and QTS and I have experience working in Reception but would I be able to get work in a Nursery or Pre school? What would I need to do to be able to do so?

[toomuchicecream]

Be prepared to work just as many hours for less money?!?

More seriously, if you were going into a nursery or pre-school with QTS and didn't want to work for an NVQ level 2 wage (ie TA salary) then you would be the teacher, possibly/probably the manager. I see our pre-school staff working flat out all day with the children and then spending time after hours writing and uploading observations on the children. Obviously, reports need to be written too. The teacher/manager does all of that as she has her own key children to keep observations up to date for, plus there's the planning for the setting to do, plus all the policies, paperwork etc needed to run the setting.

I have an ex-nursery manager working with me this term as an agency TA - she can't believe that she leaves at 3.30 and has nothing to do in the evenings. All her children have every known is her spending the evenings printing, laminating, cutting out etc etc etc.

If you still want to go for it, then find a setting you can observe/volunteer in to be sure that's what you want, then start applying for jobs. If you aren't getting shortlisted then ask why - hopefully it will be an experience thing you can address through voluntary work.

[fishinmyhair]

Thank you.
I'm thinking about trying to get some visits or experience just to see if it really is something I would like to do. I suppose I didn't want to push that door if I wouldn't be considered because of not having specific qualifications.

[Mistoffelees]

Teachers in school nurseries are paid the same as for any other key stage, I started out in nursery then went into reception and going back to nursery in a new school in September. Is that something you've considered at all or are you trying to get out of school based stuff completely?

[fishinmyhair]

I'm not sure, I'm working part time at a school and it's become quite formal and I don't like it. It just pulls at my soul that it seems so wrong. I get the impression that it's just how things are around here. I've lost my love for it. I thought I'd explore a bit before turning my back. I'm thinking about doing supply to see what goes on in other schools to maybe give me hope.

[Mistoffelees]

I know what you mean, are you on the Keeping Early Years Unique Facebook group, I found it last year and it's made me despair of my currents schools practice even more but also hopeful that there is an alternative that works and acknowledges what we know about young children. Hoping my new school will be receptive to some of the ideas I've seen.