Working in Childcare

[Orangesandlemons77]

Just trying to think through the benefits and negavies of returning to work in a children's nursery. I have a PGCE but didn't go into teaching.

Pros: Enjoy working with children, is rewarding that way
My children are older so can get home from school etc ok
The money- it has gone up quite a bit from when I last used to work there, also full time pay for four days.
Social side- other ataff were friendly etc

Cons: Long shifts- early start and late finish on work days
Less time to see own children after school
Physically demanding, included lifting children for example
Could be stressful e.g. demanding parents of children, or short staffed
meaning can't give the care required by all. Also responsibility e.g giving medicines, dealing with e.g. safeguarding issues etc
Could be quite mentally draining at times

Just thought I would write this down and share in case others work in childcare and had any thoughts.

I would say that's a pretty accurate summary. I love my job in a baby room but it's physically tiring and I have permanent backache!
As far as pay goes, it's not great but it depends how much you need to earn really. I live alone, have a mortgage, need a car to get to work and it's quite tight.
Do you have a childcare qualification?

Also, bear in mind you can't always leave on time as ratios have to be maintained. Where I am delayed London trains mean lots of late pick ups!

I checked and it seems my PGCE would count as level 3, as it's lower primary...would probably be with the pre-school age children. I was head of preschool but might just consider a general role instead..seems to pay over 20K a year for the 4 days a week but would be either 8-5 or 9-6 shifts...

I used to like working in the baby room too Kate, they used to sometimes ask people to help where needed..

Over £20k for four days is pretty good. I'm on that for 40 hours a week. I used to be a senior in preschool and it was good fun if a bit manic when we had over 40 children in!

If you've done a PGCE planning and assessment shouldn't bother you but it can be hard to find time when you're in the room. I used to take a lot of work home to catch up. When you start there's a lot of mandatory training such as safeguarding, food hygiene, allergies etc which is online and done at home (check whether they pay you for this or give TOIL). Also, first aid is 1-2 days and often at the weekend.

Well, I think it is around 40 hrs over the 4 days..not sure, I know it can be tricky getting staff as it's expensive to live round here.

Yes think they try and have time for planning etc but it can be tricky I agree. Think maybe I'll leave going for that role perhaps..!

40 hours over 4 days would be 7.30-6.30 shifts with one hour lunch break. I wouldn't do that. I used to work 8-6 shifts and they are exhausting. Now I do 9-6, 7.30-4.30 etc and that hour less makes a difference

Don't give up the idea completely. As I said preschool can be great fun and childcare is very rewarding. Yes, I change lots of nappies but I also get lots of hugs and a baby's smile or laugh lights up my day 🙂
When I went for interviews recently I asked to spend some time in the room to get a feel for the team. It was invaluable as I knew straight away where I wanted to work.

It can be hard work but it is a lovely creative role and you get to spend a lot of time outside (if you prefer that compared to an indoor office job). We take the children for lots of walks and do activities away from site too so lots of variety. Working with children is never boring. If you end up with the right team it is fun and rewarding.

Obviously the pay is lower than other sectors for the level of qualification and there is lots of responsibility and it can be tricky keeping up with everything but I've found it better than other jobs I've had overall.

Pay is terrible, especially in private sector. I find preschool, and toddlers to a lesser extent, incredibly draining in comparison to the baby room. Each stage is like a completely different job.
Hours are long and exhausting.
I'm trying to find a way out currently.

I'm 16 years qualified, 10 of those in a nursery. It's hard work, exhausting, difficult physically and mentally, long days (I'm lucky enough to work shorter shifts but most of my colleagues do 7.30-6 with a 30 minute break- longer if parents arrive late to collect their children.) Pay is terrible- minimum wage or a little above for those with extra responsibilities eg room leaders. Certainly doesn't reflect the sort of responsibly we hold- especially lately as we have lots of children with allergies, medical conditions, additional needs. Loads of staff have left over the last few years, partly covid related.

On the other hand- I love my colleagues, it's like a big family. It's great to be able to have a laugh, none of us take ourselves seriously and we make it a fun environment for the children. It can be incredibly rewarding.

It's such a mixture isn't it? i really don't want an office job...and know it is less well paid than teaching....My DC are teens now and maybe I am missing their younger years...need to think about it carefully before doing anything I think.

I know a couple of ladies in their 50s/60s working there part time..2 days a week.. say they enjoy it so that might be an option as they are looking for part time staff also.

If you can do 2 days it's not so bad. I've considered going down to 2.
The downside is trying to keep up with paperwork and do meaningful observations, you might miss a lot.

I'm guessing the two days would be half of full time...so it may be possible to do something like that combined with a Saturday job...in fact the lady I spoke to said she did other Care work at weekends (helped an elderly lady I think) and that worked out quite well.