Teach Portsmouth webinar inspires next generation of nursery workers
A virtual meet and greet was held with two nursery workers on Monday 17 January during Portsmouth Aspirations Week in the hope of inspiring children, young people and professionals to consider a career in the sector. Teach Portsmouth presents early years education offered delegates information on how to become qualified as a nursery worker alongside progression opportunities available in the city.
Webinar host, Mindy Butler, childcare and early years manager at Portsmouth City Council discussed the soft skills someone would need to succeed in the role as well as the types of qualifications available including apprenticeships, NVQs and BTECs.
"The webinar gave us a chance to showcase what Portsmouth has to offer for unqualified and qualified individuals. From amazing apprenticeships that prepare people for work to the supportive community of nurseries who foster an environment where progression is possible.
by Mindy Butler, childcare and early years manager at Portsmouth City Council
"The webinar is a fantastic starting point for those who are just starting out on their early years journey."
Like many professions, becoming a nursery practitioner requires patience, creativity, and care. These soft skills are essential to progress in the sector as you start from an apprentice and work your way up. Those who aspire for more can move into management or even own their own nursery. Abbie Hendry, who is a manager at Rainbow Corner Nursery shared her experience progressing from an apprentice into a more senior role.
"Before joining a nursery, I was a hairdresser, but I wasn't enjoying it. I would work every weekend and didn't have enough time to see friends and family.
"A friend had recently joined a nursery and was doing really well. I decided to enrol at a local college on an apprenticeship. I quickly fell in love with the role, especially the interactions I had between parents and their children.""Over time, I wanted to move into a more senior position after completing my apprenticeship. I gained a qualification to help children with special educational needs. I'm now a nursery manager - it can be hard work but it is really rewarding."
by Abbie Hendry, nursery manager at Rainbow Corner Nursery
Our final speaker, James Dyer, is a qualified nursery practitioner and co-owns Southsea Nature Nursery. He spoke about his background as a teacher in a primary school before moving into early years education.
"For many years, I worked in youth and play services across the city. It was a job I loved but I began to think about a career in teaching. After I completed training, I became a primary school teacher. I really enjoyed the role but an opportunity to join my wife at Southsea Nature Nursery soon came up.
"There was some cross over with my teaching background, but I did have to update my training. I now co-own the nursery and absolutely love it. Outdoor learning for children is important and I'm honoured to be able to provide that service."
by James Dyer, early years practitioner at Southsea Nature Nursery
Watch the webinar
If you missed Teach Portsmouth presents early years education, you can now watch a recording on the Teach Portsmouth website. You can also share the recording with someone who might find it useful. Visit the webinar page and start something exciting today!
Callum Murphy