Does anyone work in a nursery?

[Megmargs]

Looking for experiences of working in a nursery please! Currently a TA in primary looking to make the switch and wondering how it may differ, aside from the obvious age difference.

Gosh brave move.
personally I find working in a nursery setting extremely rewarding , it’s quiet different from working in state primary as the age groups almost span over 4 types of job , babies, toddlers, preschool, and potential wraparound care . Holidays and pay are not reflected in the work load, however the rewards of working with little people and their families can be immense. Safeguarding challenges and SEND challenges can be often time consuming as can keeping records on the chosen programme of learning ,most settings not all work to the EYFS , and all within this environment should receive CPD to support this. Get in contact with your local education authority and they will be able to put you in touch with a suitable nursery, dip your toe in on a voluntary level and see what you think, rather than jump ship , as TA jobs aren’t easy to get with cut backs there may not be the opportunity to go back . Have a taster during Easter and see how you feel x

I do. Don't do it!

You need the right nursery I.e. one with more than the bare level of staff to allow for cover for sick days, holidays, planning time, lunch breaks (do these nurseries exist??? I've no idea).

In my experience here are some things you can look forward to/reasons I would never do it again...

Loads of activity planning, individual learning journal writing, room planning, report writing, parents evenings, daily activity journals and no time out of the room to do it during the day, 40 hours weeks plus. Not being allowed sick days unless you're actually dead - you will catch every bug going around but if you're not in, they will be "outside of numbers" especially in younger age groups. Difficult colleagues and managers. Open days on weekends that you're not paid for that you have to attend. Broken old toys and no bloody resources. Minimum wage even if you're highly qualified, minimum support, maximum effort.

The best thing about the job was the children and the parents to be honest. Even the challenging ones were more positive than all the other parts of the job. It's a shame the love of the children wasn't enough to outweigh everything else.

I'm sure some people love their nursery jobs and have a better experience than I did, but I have yet to find those people!

Plant nursery... I'd recommend it :)

Don’t !

well obviously it depends on the person.

as someone who started in nursery’s and went into schools after qualifying. I worked in two nurses and a play group . The play group (with much older staff ) was a nice environment.
nursery horrific. Never again would I work in one .
i personally feel them massive problem with them , is that they attract young girls as the work force, making the environment tendency to be bitchy .
people can obviously disagree with that

my advice would be to ask to volunteer a few afternoons and get a feel for it . See if it’s for you .

if it’s money , you also will be paid minimum wage (yes approx the same as ta )
if it’s a not being paid the holidays problem - what about a play scheme or out of school club ?

Hmmm... I wouldnt, I moved the other way, and personally I find working as a TA in an infant school is far nicer than the nursery! Nursery age kids are more exhausting, and it's definitely a more physical job. Are you thinking about a school nursery? Or an all year round one? You will find a big difference not having the school holidays.

Typed a reply and it disappeared! 🤦🏻‍♀️

So far all the negatives are things I’m already used to so that’s not particularly a red flag. My reasons for wanting to move are to work with younger children - I have lots of experience in EYFS but no possibility in my current school of being there as I’m needed elsewhere in the school.

I’d be looking at a maintained nursery school so I imagine that can be quite different from a private nursery.

Thanks for the responses so far, still interested to hear more so I can get more knowledge before making any decisions

I've worked in nurseries for 15 years. I'm afraid I agree with the pp, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Very long hours, minimum wage, shitty holiday entitlement, no sick pay, immense responsibility. Expected to work over ratio as there is a staffing crisis at the minute. Lots of nurseries can be very toxic. Burn out is very common.

Sorry op if you didn't want to hear that, just wanted to be honest.

Holy moly!

I was just about to ask a similar question!

I start in a nursery setting very soon and having massive doubts 😕 Had a taster day, all went well. I'm not too sure if it's lack of confidence / fear /

But then if I don't go for it I will never know....

Arggghhhh !!!!