For the Curriculum:
I follow the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) curriculum and the four main principles of this curriculum underpin everything in which we do in the nursery setting including the way in which we practice, our policies and procedures and the way in which we complete our observations and planning. The four principles of the EYFS are:
- A unique child + positive relationships + enabling environments = learning and development
I ensure that these four principles are followed by providing engaging activities for the children to complete which challenges their knowledge but it also age and skills appropriate. I also complete monthly observations on each child linking the activity that they are completing into the EYFS and the four main principles and ensure that the children’s learning journeys are kept up-to-date and that relevant work is coded alongside the EYFS curriculum standards. This then allows you an insight into the child’s development. This includes supporting the children’s learning in areas such as literacy, numeracy and ICT. I thoroughly enjoy supporting the children with their ICT skills using the computer and the innotabs because as well as being a fun activity it develops children’s competence and independence. Ensuring that children have basic pen control skills, a knowledge of their numbers and shapes and basic ICT skills which will help ensure they have the basic skills needed for the transition to the school environment. I ensure that there is the opportunity for the children to practice their reading and writing at every opportunity by ensuring that there are books and basic mark making equipment in every room, including the garden.
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I immediately work alongside two other nursery nurses, a senior nursery nurse and a trainee nursery assistant and the nursery manager. The nursery nurses and senior nursery nurse are all directly responsible for their own allotted key group of children and the trainee nursery assistant assists with ensuring that ratios are adhered to and generally completes any jobs such as photocopying. Being a part of this team means that I work closely alongside these professionals manager to ensure the curriculum is being followed, any issues are discussed and addressed and new thoughts or ideas are shared. I previously worked as a nursery assistant in another local nursery with children aged 2-3 years whilst completing my NVQ training. This has therefore provided me with further insight, skills and knowledge that are useful in the working environment as it’s interesting to see the difference between how the different nurseries are run and the contrasting ways in which the staff practice in each setting and different methods they often use. For example where I am currently working if a child hits another child then they are placed on time out. However where in the nursery where I previously worked if a child were to do this they would be placed on the thinking chair, allowing them to have a chance to assess why their behaviour was wrong.
I also work alongside the child’s parents and we share any concerns that we may have or generally pass on information regarding the child’s day. In my current setting this is often done through ‘slips’ that the child takes home with them showing information including what they enjoyed playing with that day and how much lunch they ate. However in the previous nursery settings I have seen the importance of how much a parent appreciates it if you go over and talk to them when they collect a child, even if it’s only quickly to say that they have been fine today, so I try to adhere to that and make an effort to talk to parents wherever possible.
Those who I work alongside closest with are the children themselves as they are the ones that I spend a large chunk of my day with. My responsibilities include completing observations on the child regarding their learning and assisting with aspects such as toilet training. Again my previous experience has provided useful with this as with aspects such as toilet training I have learnt useful tips such as sticker charts and special ‘treats’ if the child has an accident free day.
Outside of work I enjoy taking the time to learn new things, an example of this if the fact that I am currently completing this course. This is helping me to build upon my confidence which helps me in the classroom as well as the fact that the knowledge I am gaining from the course will help to boost my professional practice at work.
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In my role as a nursery nurse I work closely alongside the child’s parents to support the child in learning basic literacy and numeracy skills and preparing them for school. For example if I am aware that a 4 year old still isn’t able to recognise their basic shapes or colours then it may be useful to send some worksheets home for the child to complete. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a structure of learning and development that has to be followed allowing children to learn through play and activities. I follow the EYFS curriculum when planning activities for the children to complete and when completing observations on their progress. Due to the fact that it has recently been revised and changed considerably it would be beneficial for me to attend a revised EYFS training course that will help to ensure that the planning that I complete meets the EYFS guidelines and the activities that I provide are beneficial for the children to learn from.
I work alongside kitchen staff to ensure that the children are provided with healthy snacks and that food hygiene policies are followed when serving hot lunches. Therefore it may be beneficial for me to attend a food hygiene course. When working with children it is always beneficial to know the correct ways to deal with difficult behavior. For example I currently work with a child who frequently hits other children. Therefore it may be useful for me to attend a behavior management course to learn how to best deal with the child’s behavior.
Once I have completed this module with the Open University I will then pick other modules that will help benefit my professional practice where I am currently working whilst also ensuring that my development progresses in order for me to be able to succeed in obtaining another job in the future.
Due to the fact that I am constantly picking up children if for example they have hurt themselves then it may also be beneficial for me to attend a manual handling course. This will then protect me when picking up a child as I won’t be injuring my back and will also protect the child so that I don’t drop them. Finally due to the fact that children are often falling over and bumping themselves or if there were to be a serious incident where a child seriously injured themselves then its important that I hold a recognized paediatric first aid qualification so that I know what to so should the situation arise.
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Total words = 1,746
Appendix A – My job description
Job description – Nursery nurse Suitable qualifications – NVQ 3 or BTEC
Nursery nurses are expected to support the supervisor of the department in which they are working in as well as completing key worker roles.
Main duties:
- Working as part of a team, taking direction and encouragement from senior staff
- Delivering the EYFS curriculum on a day to day basis in line with the nursery’s annual plan
- Organise and provide activities for the children that are in line with the EYFS curriculum
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding the children’s records and information
- Being completely familiar with all policies and procedures
- Taking the opportunity for extra training whenever possible
- Report to senior staff immediately any concerns regarding any of the children
- Getting involved in OFSTED inspections and always being prepared for unannounced visits
- Liase with parents when able to and refer them to senior staff for queries you cannot answer
- Taking part in the cleaning and maintaining of the nursery and equipment
- Being mindful of appropriate language and behaviour in front of the children and parents
- Ensure children are escorted to the toilet and that their personal hygiene is looked after appropriately.
- Be involved in the EYFS, completing observations, planning and children’s learning journeys
- Attend staff meetings on a monthly basis
- Guide and assist nursery assistants in their daily work
- Oversee lunch and snack times, encourage children to be independent and sociable
- Assist with annual open evening