Advice regarding working in a nursery

[emily05]

I have decided to do a childcare NVQ qualification. In order to do this course I have to do work experience.

I have got a plce to do 7 hours a week at a local nursery. I start next week and I am sooooo nervous. I havent worked in 5 years and although it is for such a small amount of time I am nervous.

So if anybody working is a nursery/preschool could help me - I will love you forever!!

What should I wear? What sort of things will I be doing? Any advice appreciated.

thanks x

clothes should be smart/casual but something you dont mind ruining-holes in trousers from kneeling on floor,paint,glue,snot etc will find its way through tabard!skirts are ok but beware of the child who wants to lift it up.jewellery is best left at home.hair up so less nits,snot etc.

are you doing 2 or 3?btw the nursery may have its own dresscode or even uniform.we had to wear a jumper from them.

Hi - thanks for the tips - I am starting with 2 as i am completely new to this.

what sort of things will I be doing? x

Message withdrawn

do you play with them as such or is it more supervising them? thanks

As a NNEB student I got a lot of practical jobs, organising art activities, cleaning up, doing story time & just generally mucking in.

What sort of nursery are you doing work expeience in?

The play activities are not really interrupted, you'll have art, water, stories, cooking type activities to supervise.

Play with the children and interact with them. Watch what the other staff do and follow their lead.
If you're at a loss as to what to do during any part of the day ask "where would I be most helpful?"
I have done my level 3 so if you need any help just ask, there is a foundation stage information forum site which can be helpful when doing your course work just google it. Good luck

Some places set out a variety of activities before kids come in other nurseries wait and let the kids pick out stuff them selves. Depending on the size and set up of the nursery you might be assigned to an specific area like arts and crafts or have the whole room to work in, they won't leave you on your own with the kids just yet though. Just work your way round chatting to the kids and giving them a hand where they need it or encouragment especially with clearing up .

Don't worry nurseries are used to having all levels of students. They will also understand that you might have activities to plan, prepare and supervise for you course and will help you to fit them in with the timetable.

Wear something comfortable but fairly smart, black trousers quickly look grubby if you are kneeling on the floor but better then light colours.
Avoid dangley necklaces or earings.
Also avoid low waisted trousers as builders bum is not really what they are looking for when you are knelt down helping in the construction area, sitting on the low chairs or bent over.
Blouse and a light cardi/jumper you can take off as the rooms can be quite warm halfway through the day.
Calf length skirts and kneehigh boots, but have to be able to kneel etc in them. More for pre schools/ school nursery classes, not so much in day nurseries with people working with younger children. You may even get staff there wearing jeans and logo sweatshirt uniforms.

Hi everybody
Thanks for your responses - this has been a great help x