Nursery assistant Review

My role is to care for and safeguard children ranging from ages 0-5 years at the nursery. By planning for and carrying out a wide range of creative/ unique and engaging activities based on the children's needs/ wants and interests. Caring for the children involves ensuring that they are safe, clean environment/ maintaining hygiene, well fed and developing positively providing them with plenty of physical play/exercise. I monitor children, note observations, prepare and present snack and carry out risk assessments.

Even though I may have possessed many of these skills before starting at the setting, I can confidently say that these skills have developed and improved- creativity communication e.g. when handing children over to parents/ introducing them in. Organized- Always keeping record of important information and planning in advance.

I thoroughly enjoy the apprenticeship role I am experiencing. From the level of responsibility which allowed for me to develop, to the different experiences and challenges I face everyday. No 2 days are the same. The detail and effort we put in as practitioners to benefit others is rewarding. The staff work well together and are always friendly. And the knowledge we learn and the skills we develop are personally useful in all aspects of life. However, as a whole their is room for improvement.

Personally, I feel like the induction to the studying programme could have been more informative and thorough. For example a written plan to refer back to. Especially since we weren't doing face- to- face meetings. However, the structure of the programme works well through group webinars which are informative and engaging. A more organised time table could be offered as meetings often changed.

The managers and mentor have always made it clear that if I need support/ guidance that they are there to offer help. Although I haven't raised any problems, I would say that the managers are very easy to approach and offer support by asking about our experiences, making meeting times clear and dealing with situations quickly and calmly.

My training provider supports me by offering different ways of communicating with them throughout the week regarding my coursework. They are quick to offer support and guidance with a positive attitude. Ensuring that I am satisfied after raising concerns and cooperatively overcoming barriers. I do enjoy the work and the way the qualification is set out by my tutor e.g. through group webinars.

What I learn on my apprenticeship definitely contributes to my day to day role as I often find myself referring back to and reflecting on what I have learned. The different strategies we learn about and the methods we practice is then mirrored into our daily routines. e.g. safeguarding. I now know more about my roles and responsibilities as a practitioner.

Other than staff meetings where we engage in group activities to highlight skills, I am not aware of any extra- curricular activities at my work. When I am not working, or completing my apprenticeship, I occupy myself with hobbies like baking and crafting. I like to socialize with my friends, many which I have made at the nursery. And currently I am taking driving lessons. My Saturdays also involve my working at a hairdressers as an interest.

Yes

As a first job in this field, I am enjoying my experience. It is a great way to build character, quality and skills. We practice a wide range of things and courses like first aid are beneficial in out personal lives as well. I felt very welcomed into the company and the staff have been comforting and friendly.

I would advise others to ask plenty of questions if they are unsure as I remember starting at the nursery was a new experience and there was much to learn. About the children, the routine, the environment e.g. location of items etc. I would say don't be nervous at the interview stage as they are more interested in you as a person then judging you from paper. So, on your trial days be confident, work with a smile and don't be shy to ask questions.