What makes a great nursery practitioner?
We’re convinced that being a nursery practitioner is one of the most important jobs you can have. You’ll teach children to better understand the world around them, helping to build their confidence to ensure that they are ready for school when the time comes.
It’s a big responsibility and asks for a lot from a childcare provider. While being a nursery practitioner isn’t going to suit everyone, we also think it’s one of the most exciting jobs available, with every day bringing with it new challenges and opportunities.
To be a good nursery practitioner, you’ll need the right combination of qualities. Here at Little Pioneers we love filling our teams with amazing, inspiring people – but what makes them right for the role? What kinds of qualities does a great nursery practitioner need?
Let’s find out.
Patience
Having patience is an important quality for anyone taking up a career in childcare. Children are quite accomplished at testing your patience, whether it’s by repeatedly disobeying you or simply by acting up. Being patient whenever you speak to a child will both reduce your stress and make you more effective at your job, showing the children how to behave while under pressure.
It’s just as important to be patient with your colleagues. Childcare is a career that many people feel strongly about, so you will also need to be tolerant about how others deal with each child’s needs.
Organisation
In a role where you’re responsible for the health and wellbeing of children, being organised is essential. In fact, it’s only through being organised that we manage to create that special welcoming feeling that every Little Pioneers nursery has.
During any group activity, being organised is key, and helps to keep the children safe while giving them the best chance of achieving their potential. Young children will look to you for guidance and even as a role model, so don’t be surprised if they notice whether you are always prepared or in a flap and struggling.
It is important to remain organised by keeping your room safe, clearing away anything likely to cause injury such as scissors, cooking equipment, and spillages.
Postitive attitude
Positive energy and a smile on your face are two of the greatest tools you can have as a nursery practitioner. When you’ve worked a long day with the children, being able to smile helps you reach the end, recharge afterwards, and come back ready to begin a new day.
Children are good at picking up on negative vibes and are likely to behave better if they are having fun and enjoying their time at the nursery. They tend to learn more and thrive whenever they feel happy, so part of your job as a nursery practitioner is to help create an environment where the children can feel relaxed and comfortable.
Dedication
Working with children isn’t for everyone, so it is important to be dedicated to your role. You need to enjoy the company of children, but throughout your career you will also need keep up to date about childcare trends and industry best practice.
While you will need GCSE Maths and English Grade C or above to work as an apprentice to secure a job as a nursery practitioner, a lifelong desire to help children achieve their best will help you to excel in your career.
If you decide that an apprenticeship is the route you want to take, it’s worth knowing that Little Pioneers pays the same salary to our apprentices as we do to colleagues just starting out with us – which is more than twice the minimum wage!
Communication skills
As a nursery practitioner, you’ll need to communicate well with a variety of different people.
You’ll need to chat with children at their level, explaining things clearly in ways that they can easily understand. You’ll also need to talk with their parents, offering updates on their child’s progress and sometimes collaborating with them to overcome any issues their child might be facing. Finally, you’ll be great at communicating with your colleagues, discussing how to overcome challenges or disagreements with tact.
Join #TeamChildcare
At Little Pioneers, we know that it takes special people to look after children. That’s why we don’t just nurture our children, but our colleagues too. By supporting the individual needs of each team member, we make sure that they are always developing. Whatever their level or ability, we help our practitioners to realise their dreams by inspiring them to achieve what they never thought was possible.