Nursery Assistant Apprentice Review

I am training to be a Nursery Nurse. Starting as a nursery assistant. I'm currently working in the Pre-school room where I and the pre-school team have to prepare the children for school. I help a lot during circle times, where I talk to them about their numbers, letters or other topics. My week in Pre-school would usually consist of me going in the garden, assisting at tennis and swimming classes, talking to parents, creative activities and helping them learn their Phonics. I feel I have a good bond with most of the children in the room.

I have learnt First Aid, which I found really interesting! I feel I have better knowledge of the EYFS and how to plan for a child. My coursework provides a lot of detail about promoting positive behaviour and positive environments, which I find helps me a lot in the Pre-School room.

I enjoy my programme very much! The work team are brilliant, made me feel so welcome and I know I could go to anyone if there was something I was struggling with. I am impressed with the company itself as it seems very organised and professional. I am happy in the room I'm in too and I am happy with the amount of study hours I get too as this is very well needed.

I feel very valued by Asquith Day Nurseries, as every time I go to the head office, he people there are all very nice and friendly. They always ask us how we are getting on with everything and it feels like they do really care. When I first started, we had our company director come into the training room to talk to us. I thought that was a lovely thing to do and it meant a lot that he made time to talk to us. Also my manager and assistant managers are very supportive! They are always saying well done for things, which makes you feel like you are doing something right.

Very organised! I have a good relationship with my tutor. When I first started I received all the manuals and description about my course I needed. Which means I have a clear idea of what I'm going to achieve in this course and feel confident in completing it.

I really like my tutor and training provider. I find she gives me a lot to do but it's good as it keeps me on my toes. She comes to see me every 4 weeks or less to observe me the room and give me my next lot of coursework. I have all her contact details so I know I could get hold of her if I needed too.

I receive lots of support from my employer. We have a person in charge of the apprenticeship scheme but we know we can go to the training team as well for guidance. Our managers are very supportive and always ask me how I'm getting on within the nursery and my course.

I understand that apprenticeship wage is going to be less than others wages, however I am lucky to work for Asquith who pay above the apprenticeship wage. The salary is good for my situation but I have had to adapt to it as it is lower than what you could be getting. But overall it suits me fine and I find I still have some money aside for social things.

I have always had jobs before I decided to become an apprentice. I know there are voluntary jobs out there and I would like to do one one day. I attend a amateur dramatics group two evenings a week and this is good for keeping up my hobby in performing arts.

Yes

Although no company is perfect, I would recommend Asquith to someone who I know cares a lot about childcare as I don't think there is room for anyone who doesn't care about childcare in this company. They are a friendly bunch of people, with a good reputation.

Be yourself in the interview and always ask questions. Don't try to be anyone else in the interviewing process as they will see through you. I would research into the company a little bit too as they could ask you some questions on that. Also, I would say always find a question to ask, as it makes you look really interested in the job, and that you want to know as much as you can.