A day in the life of a nursery nurse: a 'rewarding and inspiring experience'

Erin Doheny, an ambitious nursery nurse, joined the flourishing team of Little Adventurers Nursery in Upminster in June 2015 to continue her training to become a Level 3 early years practitioner.

During her first year, Little Adventurers Nursery believe Erin played a significant role in the nursery, and has since been nominated as ‘Apprentice of the Year’ for Havering’s Business Awards (2016). Seventeen-year-old Erin offers an insight into her role as a nursery nurse.

Responsibilities in childcare

“I am currently studying for my Level 3 Child Care qualification having already achieved Level 2 in my first year of college. Although I am the youngest member of the team, my ideas and contributions to caring for our children are taken seriously and I feel like a valued member of the team.

“I also take my daily responsibilities and role within the nursery very seriously as I am passionate about becoming the very best nursery practitioner that I can be.

“Whilst working at Little Adventurers Nursery I am a key person for certain children in our baby room, with whom I have made special bonds with. This gives me the responsibility to know the needs of each child in my care.”

Supervision and support

“On a daily basis I am kept busy with proactive children and numerous challenges, including maintaining children’s safety at all times. My key duties include greeting the children and parents in the morning, helping to set up activities, engaging in individual and group activities including story time and providing care to individual children through a fun, stimulating and loving way.

“During the day I may also attend staff meetings, undertake staff training and research ideas to help build my knowledge of professional childcare practice.

“Throughout the nursery day I am given similar responsibilities to other fully qualified members of the team but with supervision and support to complete duties where required.

"With support, I carry out daily health and safety checks, observations and assessments on my key children, and plan activities for the days ahead.

“My favourite part of the day is coming into the nursery each morning to see how all of the children are, watching their little faces light up and of course giving lots of cuddles.”

’Positive role model’

“It is important for a nursery nurse to work hands on in a professional manner towards and around the children, and to have the ability to connect with children positively in a short time.

“On certain days I may be needed in a different room from where I am usually based, but as I have made bonds with all of the children in the nursery, they feel secure to know they can come to me if they have a problem or are distressed.

“I always try to be a positive role model for the children and ensure their environment is stimulating and engaging to give them endless opportunities to learn and develop. I am happy knowing parents feel reassured that their child is happy, safe and secure whilst at Little Adventurers.”

’Commitment and motivation’

Little Adventurers Nursery opened in April 2015, as an individual and family-run business. Erin Doheny was recruited just three months after opening and became part of the initial ‘core’ team.

“I appreciated the importance of being part of this new nursery which had to begin by communicating its ethos, building relationships with both the children and their families as well as with all visitors and personnel.

“I have been able to show my commitment and motivation to support the growth and success of Little Adventurers in their first year and believe my input has made a difference to the children’s experience at the nursery.

“I am particularly keen on researching ideas of local places of interest for the children to visit. Most recently, whilst I was out on a walking trip with children, I approached a police woman and asked if a visit to the nursery could be arranged. This resulted in a visit the following day with a team of three officers and a police van for the children to explore.”

’Rewarding and inspiring experience’

“The apprenticeship has made me feel that I am capable of reaching my highest goals in childcare practice and I look forward to completing my Level 3 and beyond in the years to come.

“I have lots of opportunities to learn while working in this nursery and the help and support I receive while working here helps me to develop my skills.

“I feel I am a good example to inspire others to undertake apprenticeships in the childcare sector and can say it is a very rewarding and inspiring experience.”

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