Nurseries in the UK range in size from the very small (15 children in the nursery) to the large (150 children). Children who attend nurseries in the UK are aged mainly from 3mths to 5yrs. Nurseries are often split into rooms: the Baby Room normally takes children aged 3mths to 18mths, the Toddler Room takes children aged 18mths to 2.5yrs, then the Preschool Room takes children aged 2.5yrs to 5yrs. Within those rooms, the nurseries are required to have at least 3 workers to every 1 child (2 workers to 1 baby in the case of the Baby Room). The layout of the nurseries varies enormously depending upon the size of the nursery, and how the nursery is organised. A manager and deputy manager run the nursery, and each room normally has a Team Leader, who is in charge of that room.

Nursery workers work within a team, caring for the children, playing with the children and concentrating on child development and learning. With the babies, they are required to provide a stimulating and safe environment, change their nappies, feed them, keep them clean, and follow their sleep routines. With toddlers upwards, then nursery staff will be required to do all sorts of activities with them, of a fun nature as well as an educational nature. They will contribute to the planning and organisation of those activities. They will be required to keep them safe, clean and happy. They will be required to communicate with the parents and prepare reports.

For many carers coming straight out of college, a position in a nursery helps them to build up their childcare experience, and give them the confidence to go on to other careers in childcare.

You may not know what age of children you prefer to work with. By working in a nursery, you will have the option of working with a wide range of children.

Set hours: nurseries have set hours, and therefore you are not going to be asked to stay late (as can often happen as a nanny). If you want to work extra hours, then you can always find work through the parents of the children at the nursery.