Nursery Nurses wages?????

Nursery Nurses wages?????

by: Polly34 - 16-03-04 20:07

As a Nursery Nurse in Scotland (full-time in a nursery class)who is involved in the current "strike situation",I wondered what Nursery Nurses working in England,Wales & Ireland earn?
At the TOP of the scale in Scotland we earn £13,896,at the bottom end it's just over £10,000.I know this is an "on-going" issue,but am interested to know if we "differ". Would welcome any responses.

by: dush

i work in a private nursery and earn just slightly above 10,000 but with the tax out i suppose it's about 9,000. (in england). i suppose it deiffers for nursery nurses working in schools they may get a bit more.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 21-03-04 16:48

by: Polly34

Thanks for your reply "Dush"~was just interested to hear how wages differ.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 31-03-04 10:01

by: ginnie

Nursery nurses working in provate day nurseries earn less than those working in the community and for orgainsations such as surestart which offer good wages for nursery nurses.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 31-03-04 10:02

by: ginnie

Nursery nurses working in provate day nurseries earn less than those working in the community and for orgainsations such as surestart which offer good wages for nursery nurses.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 07-04-04 23:15

by: Polly34

Thankyou all very much for your responses,interested to hear how it differs.
Hopefully strike action here in Scotland will be over soon,and hopefully it will be a "national pay"settlement.Thanks again.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 18-04-04 23:12

by: ArdsleyPlaygroup

I have recently turned down a job as deputy nursery manager in a private nursery in yorkshire the reason? Only £5,000 a year! I have been out of the industry for four years due to having a family but I feel there should be something done for the ones in private nurseries they charge enough in fees surely they can afford to match what the councils pay?When you compare not just the difference in wages but also they amount of holidays per year its pretty obvious the nursery nurses in privete nurseries get a rough deal and its not very easy to get a job in a council school either I've been qualified 13 years and the only jobs I've been offered in a school is non teaching assistant I used to be deputy manager of a private nursery before I had my family and there is no way am I going to restart my career as an assistant or as a deputy manager for £5,000 a year its an insult

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 18-04-04 23:13

by: ArdsleyPlaygroup

I have recently turned down a job as deputy nursery manager in a private nursery in yorkshire the reason? Only £5,000 a year! I have been out of the industry for four years due to having a family but I feel there should be something done for the ones in private nurseries they charge enough in fees surely they can afford to match what the councils pay?When you compare not just the difference in wages but also they amount of holidays per year its pretty obvious the nursery nurses in privete nurseries get a rough deal and its not very easy to get a job in a council school either I've been qualified 13 years and the only jobs I've been offered in a school is non teaching assistant I used to be deputy manager of a private nursery before I had my family and there is no way am I going to restart my career as an assistant or as a deputy manager for £5,000 a year its an insult

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 18-04-04 23:13

by: ArdsleyPlaygroup

I have recently turned down a job as deputy nursery manager in a private nursery in yorkshire the reason? Only £5,000 a year! I have been out of the industry for four years due to having a family but I feel there should be something done for the ones in private nurseries they charge enough in fees surely they can afford to match what the councils pay?When you compare not just the difference in wages but also they amount of holidays per year its pretty obvious the nursery nurses in privete nurseries get a rough deal and its not very easy to get a job in a council school either I've been qualified 13 years and the only jobs I've been offered in a school is non teaching assistant I used to be deputy manager of a private nursery before I had my family and there is no way am I going to restart my career as an assistant or as a deputy manager for £5,000 a year its an insult

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 14-05-04 11:53

by: tiespuddin

I know of some QUALIFIED nursery nurses in Birmingham only getting the min wage of £4.50 a hour. Average though is about £5 a hour in private nuserys.(England)

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 02-06-04 21:04

by: butterflygirl

I work in a private day nursery for a big chain and the nursery assistants are on minimum wage. NVQ Level 2 staff are on about £5/hour and Level 3 are on between £5.30 - £5.50/hour. As a 30 year old woman who had been working in retail management for 10 years, I was completely horrified by these wages. I left retail as I wanted more job satisfaction but surely I also need a decent living wage. Im about to qualify at Level 3 and cannot afford to stay at my current setting unless they pay me more. The full time fees are £40 per day per child!!! It seems council/LEA nurseries pay better so I will have to look into this, although I will be devastated to leave the kids I have been looking after for 2 years. Maybe we need to follow the example of Scottish n.nurses and strike.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 10-06-04 21:56

by: hunee3

hi there,
i work in a private day nursery in northern ireland, and earn £4.93 an hour. i know i'm an assistant, and not higher up, but i do think we are worth a little more than that! i have the hnc in early childhood studies. any ideas anyone?
hugs,
jennifer

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 11-06-04 22:26

by: sprite1984

I am 20 years old and DCE qualified and am also SENCO is a small private nursery . I also have sole responsoibility for the pre-school my wage? £4.30 p/h ( working a 47 1/2 hour week!)

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 15-06-04 15:19

by: calvin

There will always be a difference between local authroity and private settings. It because of budgets. Local authorities have more money to pay salaries than private settings.

Whilst private nurseries may charge £30-40 per day for a child place, there are many other costs to consider, such as insurance, utilities, rates, upkeep of premises, supplies (art materials etc) ongoing replacement of equipment, not to mention the initial cost of setting up the nursery!

Hence why private nurseries cannot pay hugh salaries - we would love to us we value of staff and do not want to lose them to local authority settings, but the finances do not work.

As an example, I work for a UK Charity that has a nursery at one of its sites, which is run as a private day nursery.

75% of our income goes on salaries, 10% on food for the childrens meals, 10% on utility costs, which leaves just 10% for all other costs such as materials, insurance etc..... as a charitry we only have to break even..... and we just manage thant

(I am also married to a nursery manager who earns a lot less than managers of the same experience in other industries or local authority settings)

The only way this will change is if the government gives us say £1000-£2000 per staff member per year for us to put direct into their wages... but where would that money come from??????

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 20-06-04 21:33

by: Shelli

I also work for a large chin of private nursery's.
At 21 I run a Pre-school with about 67 children on out register presently with about 40 children a session and I earn about 11 grand.
I cannot afford this and agree that the wages in general are awful but I' rather be doing this then stuck behind a desk in a tiny office. There's so much more satisfaction in this job than in most and it really makes you feel that you matter to the children

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 21-06-04 21:48

by: soxzgeorge

Hiya, i live and work in ales and the highest we could take home is around £12,000 per year

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 26-06-04 14:11

by: theodore24

I am a trainee nursery nurse (training is paid for by nursery) in England

I am on just over £7,000 a year, qualifieds are on £10,000 and seniors are on £11,000...whilst our manager is on £18-19,000.

our nursery is one of the most expensive, but highly thought of nurseries in our area...and yet the staff are so poorly paid.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 25-07-04 19:39

by: katylouise1984

Hi I work in cleckheaton and am a deputy officer in charge, i am on five pound an hour and do everything my officer in charge does i think priv day nurserys is a rough deal and am eager to gain a foundation degree and get into sure start or Kirklees early years post. Why do we do this job? !!!!

Katy x

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 05-08-04 17:13

by: Hardworkin

In maintained schools I think the highest salary nursery nurses can earn is 14,000. In state run day nursery nursery nurses can earn anything between 15,000-20,000 a year depending on the status and experience I think. Don't quote me on that.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 10-08-04 19:37

by: Saffron

Hi, . I am working in Ireland and all the childcare staff are paid the minimum wage which is about seven euros an hour, whether qualified or not. Those working in state funded community creches are paid better but there are not many of these. We get around 300 Euros a week which is 287 Euros after tax.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 29-08-04 21:08

by: Sally1987

Hello, i was wondering if you would advice people to become involved in childcare, relating to the wage? Or would you advice people to try to get a job earning more money. basically Is they hours you work value for money?

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 31-08-04 20:15

by: jrennie1984

I have been working in a private nursery for nearly one year now I went into the job with no previous experience therefore expected a low wage. I was offered the minimum wage acceptable in Scotland and after some consideration took the job as I am living with my parents I could afford to do so at the time.

I was told I would receive training at collage to get qualified and that I would receive a bones and pay rise at the end of the year however I have heard nothing more about this since I started and it is coming up for a year now. As for collage there seems to be a extremely long waiting list I was supposed to start in April and its now September.

Since starting the job my financial responsibilities are increasing and I am under a great deal of pressure I work 40 hours a week not including breaks and struggle each month to make ends meet. I could NEVER afford my own home or even to move out from my parent’s house.

Before starting in Childcare I worked on a check out in retail and earned more serving people their groceries all day than I do for looking after their children.

I feel that in such a responsible, stressful, job we should be earning more. I work very hard go give the kids in my room fun learning experience each day I take work home often buy recourses for my room from my own pocket and although I have a fantastic boss who thanks me I feel I am being used at times. I come home from work shattered and then spend sometimes up to an hour researching and planning for work (unpaid)

Private nursery staff have little or no representation so they can't go on strike.

I don't know how I will stay in this career much longer if the wage stays the same even qualified I will earn less than £6 per hour.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 04-09-04 12:12

by: theodore24

BUT, after all the negativity about our (lack of pay) I wouldn't change my job for the world!!As long as i have the basics to live, my job is my happiness and it's what i live for

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 04-09-04 13:32

by: jrennie1984

I agree that I would never want to change my job I love my job and put 100% into it no matter what the pay.

However I can barley afford the basics to live and this is my point living expenses are going up and once I have a family of my own to support and am no longer living with my parents I will never be able to stay in this career and suficiantly support myself.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 05-01-05 19:04

by: kulz

hi
i have recently finished the diploma in childcare and now wrok in a parivate nursery and only get paid £4.50 an hour.(england)something really needs to be done about our pay.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 08-01-05 09:32

by: nmorris

I am hoping to open a nursery in the south wales area and I am thinking of paying the following annual gross payments.

Nursery Manager £15000-£18000
Senior Nursery Nurse £13000-£16000
Nursery Nurse £12000-£14000
Nursery Assistant £10500-£12000

Plus 4 weeks paid annual leave and bank holidays. With a yearly bonus if we are full for the year.

It is important that private nurseies reward staff as they are the people that make it possible!!

Does this sound resonable?

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 20-01-05 18:02

by: faeriepoppett

I work at an out of school club in England and the playworker is on min £5 per hour and supervisor is min £6 per hour. My sister works in a concil nursery and she is on £7 per hour, but if she does supply work it goes up to nearly £10 per hour.
I think the money is in supply work!

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 20-01-05 18:02

by: faeriepoppett

I work at an out of school club in England and the playworker is on min £5 per hour and supervisor is min £6 per hour. My sister works in a concil nursery and she is on £7 per hour, but if she does supply work it goes up to nearly £10 per hour.
I think the money is in supply work!

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 15-06-05 19:14

by: scarlett

our nursery assistants get min wage, our nursery nurses get £5.30, Supervisors get £6 per hour.
there has to be a differential between each level of responsibility, so have to start scale 1 at min wage. otherwise the fees dont pay for the wages and overheads eg rent rates food insurance, Employers national insurance. the government should pay more money to private nurseries who profice nursery education so then wages can be increased....

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 15-06-05 20:20

by: jcab

I have been recently looking at jobs within Sure Start areas and for a Nursery Nurse, it wasnt much more than 11grand. I was quite disappointed to see that a government run service pays lower than a school....

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 15-06-05 21:50

by: jrennie1984

The only thing I can say about the pay for nursery nurse's is its disgusting, degrading and insulting and something should me done to force greedy employers to pay us a decent wage so we can actually afford to live at the moment I am in serious debt and constantly worrying about money. I fear that one day I will have to leave a career that I love and have studied and worked hard for. Nursery owners get a grip and start paying your staff decent wages my recommended salary would be;

Nursery assistants 5.50 going up after experience.

Nursery nurse 7.00 going up after experience

Supervisor 8.00

Manager 10.00

This is just a start in a few years I recommend that the wage gradually increase so that in the end an annual salary will be;

Nursery assistant 13000

Nursery nurse 17000

Supervisor 22000

Manager 27000

We are in a job with tremendous responsabilitys and there are extremely high expectations. Yes our jobs are rewarding but also very stressful. We are molding the future generations and preparing them for life so why should we get paid less than someone serving behind a checkout.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 19-06-05 11:29

by: nannynick

In Surrey, I found that £13,000pa was typical for a Nursery Nurse working in a day nursery.

However, as someone else has already said, Supply Work is paid better - £8 per hour is typical in my area (Surrey/Berkshire).

If you want to compare against a nanny, then when nannying I get £14,000pa working Term Time only (so 40 weeks per year, including 4 weeks paid holiday). If that's multiplied out to be a full year, then it's around £18,500pa.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 15-07-05 15:09

by: kimmie

I think that to work with children that u've got to love the job rather than the money as it's never gonna get any better as the only reason that we are all working with children is because we love them but we could all do with extra money though i'm guessing!! at the end of the day i think we are all in the same boat when it comes to working with children though at the end of the day!! I do also think that although there's not much difference between wages but all staff i think basically do the same amount of work and also have the same amount of responsiblity for the protection and welfare of the children that we all work with!! as is there really any other more fulfilling jobs to do out there other than working with children as if there is what are we doing here apart from the children though!! plus getting experience and qualifications whilst at work with the children as its important to look after them though!! let me know what u think?? luv kim xx :):)

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 10-04-07 00:07

by: dollywalker

Just my personal view but I don't know of any early years setting (Sure start or otherwise) that pays good money for nursery nurses.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 11-04-07 20:52

by: sharna

I have just finished my BTEC & got my first job in an independent pre-school with my wage at 6.38 ph which will increse annually due to experience. I work 32 hours a week and only during term time with 4 weeks paid holiday and still earn more than my college mates who works 40 hours a week in a private nursery all year round.
By the sounds of it, I'm extrememly lucky!!

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 19-04-07 21:39

by: nannynic

I am a NNEB nursery nurse who is working in a school nursery but am only being paid as a General Teaching Assistant. I am on a supply contract for 2 terms which means I only get paid for the hours I work (no sickness, holidays etc). The Head always states to visitors etc that I am a qualified NNEB though! We are only open mornings and have 39 children in a session. We have 3 staff, one Nursery teacher and 2 GTA's. I get £6.02 an hour for this with no overtime if I need to stay on and do displays etc which are expected to be done in class time.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 26-04-07 10:19

by: Happygirl

I am a nursery owner and I do feel bad that I can only pay what are relatively low wages. However, I am not a greedy employer, and I think you will find most small nursery owners aren't either. In fact in the last 3 years since owning the nursery I have taken home less than my lowest paid employee. I actually have to work in an office to supplement my wages part of the week.

The cost of running a nursery is huge. I understand that it looks like we bring in shed loads of money, but by the time I have paid out staff wages, rent, rates, tax, part funded those children who only do 5 x 2.5 hour sessions (which means we run at a loss in the pre-school room), resources etc., etc., the profit is very small indeed.

I know my staff work hard and care for the children, but if you think it is easy running a nursery you would be wrong. The amount of paperwork that has to be kept up to date, meetings with Ofsted, Early Years Workers, dealing with staffing issues, the stress of ensuring we get enough children coming through the door and they and their parents are always happy. Plus one of our biggest problems is those parents who give you a sob story and then leave owing you money.

If you love working with children but want to earn good money, there is only one real way. Work and study. If you do a Foundation Degree you have the chance to end up a Manager or go on to do a full degree and progress to be a teacher. It's like any career, start at the bottom and work your way up!! Sorry to sound harsh but these days the only way to make decent money is to get yourself well qualified in whatever career you want to take.

And lastly, I promise you the only way any nursery provider can pay you a 'decent' wage is by making the childcare fees astronomical for parents - which would mean basically no parents, no job.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 26-04-07 19:19

by: scarlett

I agree with everything Happygirl has said. I own my own nursery and the outgoings we have are huge. Staff and other people think I am loaded, I think they they it all goes in my back pocket (I wish).

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 04-05-07 21:53

by: cmseasman@aol.com

I am also a nursery owner, I also agree with other nursery owners the cost of running a nursery are astonomical.Nobody realises this, they think it is easy cash. Far from it when there are so many outgoings everyday for something or other.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 09-05-07 14:33

by: Happygirl

Thank you two the other nursery owners who backed me up and confirmed what I know that nursery nurses just don't believe - we really are not earning loads of money. The only ones who do earn money are those that own three or four, and then adding all the 'profits' together may give them a decent income. I think people need to remember that we, as nursery owners, have had to take huge financial risks to open up a nursery for a very small return. I do it because I love children and have always wanted to own my own business.

I am doing my foundation degree and the course is full with nursery nurses with ambition, who love children and want to go on to be teachers. They all work full time and spend one evening a week and countless hours at home doing assignments and reading. In 5 years they will be teachers and hopefully earning a good salary. If you want to be paid well, there is only one way to do it - study and work your way up the ladder.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 09-05-07 20:55

by: space

I lived on the outskirt of London when I was a nursery supervisor and earn £9.45 per hour. Not is all bad if you look around, but living near London this was not the prefect wage!

I can agree that the wages are'nt fantastic, but its where your heart is that counts.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 11-05-07 10:18

by: scarlett

yes in an ideal world the rates you put would be great I agree with your figures.
one problem though??
how can parents afford to pay £300 a week for a place (because that is what they will have to pay to enable nursery owners to pay those high wages.)

So again it boils down to the government. They should pay more funding for the Nursery Education (which should be monitored to proove thatmost of the money is going to increase wages(the rest going on essentials eg running costs).

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 12-05-07 17:21

by: whmon

I'd just like to add my comments about owning a nursery. When I bought my nursery 2 years ago, I expected to take a drop in salary. What I didn't expect was to have to work for nothing. The only way that my nursery is sustainable is that one person (i.e me) has to work without wages. I work 11 hours per day, 5 days per week without a lunch break. My health is beginning to suffer and worse still, we are having to sell our beautiful home because we can't afford the mortgage payments. While I do have some sympathy for low paid nursery staff, how I wish I could earn the minimum wage myself.

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 12-05-07 20:23

by: Tish501

I too am a Nursery owner open for 30 months.I agree with all the overhead costs....especially heating...but I too have no wages..but my 4 staff are well paid,depending on age and experience...well above minimum wage,and I supply their drinks(hot and cold),the essential supply of chocolate bars...birthday pressys,christmas bonus....this all helps keep staff morale high,they love their work,our parents love them....our places are always taken as soon as they are free,but then we are registered for only 20....(with the prospect of empty spaces during the holidays..our nursery is all open plan...no seperate room for a holiday club,funded only children room...but we make it work....I have looked after children for 30 years,childminded, then at GREAT expensed converted a double garage into a lovely cosy Nursery.Hassle with the local council...wouldn't give permission,expense of a successful appeal,only if we paid for a very expensive block paved LONG drive to lessen noise for neighbours,remortgage,...I wouldn't say we,as owners are rolling in money,but the PLUSES.....doing a job I love..employing 4 fantastic staff,being appreciated by most of our parents....but best of all guiding children down the path to adulthood and seeing the changes in them as they go off to school....who can buy that???
It is priceless......

Nursery Nurses wages????? - 22-05-07 17:47

by: poison dwarf :)

I've been reading the comments regarding pay and it is appalling.
I worked in a school when i qualified 10 years ago and started on 8k!!! I left there to work for a sure start project,where i have since moved to another project. I must say I am well paid and couldn't go back to a lower level of pay again. Nursery nurses are essential,but the pay certainly does not reflect this.

by: la_senorita

Hi girls, well I did my training (DCE) and qualified this year. I loved placements in nurseries but fter research on pay I decided that nannying was more for me. I get paid over £13000 after tax and im 19 so that suits me.

Im looking into opening my own nursery in Gibraltar where my parents live as there is demand and apparently Ofsted regulations dont apply. Only problem is there are gambling agencies that pay girls alot more than I could probably afford. What do you think is the best way to keep staff interested without the obvious pay rise???

 Steph x

by: natasha nottle

As a tempoary nursey nurse I have noticed that the agencies are paying less than they did when I first started temping which was 3 years ago. when I worked for a local borough as a nursery nurse our starting salary was 13,00 the highest we could go up to was 15,000that is now changing due to the fact that within in some boroughs in London unqualified learning support assiants wee getting more money than nursery nurses.

by: Tink84

I agree that we as nursery nurses are under valued as a whole by society. I have a full degree and knew that i would need to take a lower paid job to gain some valueable work experience. This i was happy to do, however i was unaware that as a graduate that my manager was receiving extra money from the transformation fund for me being agraduate. To top it off i am employed 16 hr each for the two nurseries she runs. Thats £4000 a year she receives for me and i don't see one penny of it. Yet i am expected to have an extra 5 children over the age of 3 on my ratio for only £5.35.

Another thing our nursery nurses and nurser assistants are all paid the same wage so there is no motivation to gain extra qualifictions.

 I am training to become an EYP and know that she isn't prepared to offer me any extra for gaining this qualification. So i will have no choice but to leave and seek employment else where.

I was paid more when i worked for a supermarket that what i am paid now

by: Anna

I think that this is not an industry problem it is rather a problem for the economy in the UK as a whole. Our whole economy is totally out of balance. It is the minimum wage and the general cost of housing which a re the two funadmental flaws. There are many industries which have high staff turnover, and a general low moral due to low pay. Unfortunately this means that the poorest people in our society are looking after most of the UKs children. With poverty comes stress many other lifestyle aspects which will influence our characters and our outlook/morals/personality. Do parents really want the poorest people in society looking after their children in the earliest most prcious years?

by: megan

hiya i work in a privite day nursery in england. the girls who are training are on £80 per week(after 1 year on training wage it has 2 go up 2 min wage). nursery nurses are on £4.35 (min wage for 18-22yrs) and the officer in charge and manager are on £6 per hour.  we know that our boss is having money problems as she has jus opened a new nursery and she has said that it cost £3,000 a week 2 run new nursery and £5,000 each for other 2 nurseries. that includes all bills, shopping, equipment, wages insurance and maintenence etc. she is struggling but we all know that if she could she would pay us a lot more money as she values each and every1 of us and knows that each nursery would not run to the best standards if it wasnt for us. all three nurseries have recently had ofsted inspection 1 got outstanding and the other 2 got good. she praised us so much and even tho we are on rubbish wages at least we all know she respects us and we respect her.

i understand we need money 2 live on  but i would perfer 2 work in an environment where u know u are respected and valued and we get home at decent times in the evenings rather than work somewhere thats not and you dont know wot time ur gonna get in at nite 2 see ur family.

by: Tink84

Thats the thing though we aren't valued by our management team. One even lies to cover her own back if it means she escapes the blame

by: kezzie

Hi,

I am a 21 year old Nursery Practitioner, working for a big childcare company, some may of heard of it, Childbase nurseries.

This company have gained an award, several years, for the times 100 best companies to work for, in my opinion from working in one of their nurseries, yes I do think that this award was given to them rightly, but at times yes I do feel that I am not treated with respect but then I'm usually either tired or stressed out, as we have to all admit that working in this sector can be stressful, when I think this.

Basically all I'm trying to express is that, I'm not in it for the money, I chose childcare because i knew that i didn't want to be stuck behind a desk or checkout, even though i could earn more doing that kind of work, i knew that i wanted a career that can be rewarding and challenging, i love working with children and i know that working in this sector can open many doors, i can go anywhere with it, and this is good for me as I also have a passion for travel and childcare can give me that opportunity also. The wages are'nt great but if you work hard, gain new skills, build on your qualifications and experience and basically work your way up you can have a 'decent' wage/salary.

I'M IN IT FOR THE LOVE, FULFILLMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES!

WHAT ARE YOU REALLY IN IT FOR?   

by: Anna

That's an intersting question. I don't think anyone chooses this line of work for the money, otherwise they would soon leave and choose another sector.

I do think our economy is unfair to the poorest people in society, especially those without children who are young.

It is very frustrating that a whole months wages does not cover rent and coucnil tax and bills, without even contemplting food and soap!

It's not that anyone works for some kind of immoral reason - money - you need money to live, and right now our economy is failing us.

by: MikeyEarlyYears

As a early years consultant (nursery nurse by training) I have found working with many Private Company's and Local Education Authorities that those who pay decent wages help not only the children and families who access their settings but also the staff who work in them! 

It cool for people to say that they are not in it for the money and its positive to hear that people are doing what they love to do and are feeling good about it, however at the end of the day we have to recognise that childcare and education workers are doing an essential job of helping to teach, nurture and inspire the adults of tomorrow therefore i would say that warrents a pretty good wage.

People in Nottingham seem to get paid fairly well and certainly when I was a nursery manager a few years back i was paid between £25k and £28k per year, also having worked in a school as a senior TA I earned around £22K which many of my friends are still on around that now, it just depends what role you are happy to do or have the confidence to apply for.

If you are a nursery owner and need help with Job descriptions and wages stuff then wizz me an email :-) take it easy

Michael :-)

MikeyEarlyYears RE: Nursery Nurses wages????? - 31-03-08 22:38

by: theo'smum

I know this post was a while ago, but I was hoping you might be able to offer me a little help with job descriptions and wages etc. I would love to embark on my dream of a 'home' from 'home' for children where they are loved, respected and empowered to learn. I know all the educationy bit, but really want to employ the best, most enthusiastic team to realise this dream. Would love your advice please. My email is amystancer@gmail.com. Thanks xx

by: Judy T

As a special needs fully qualified nursery nurse with over thirty years experience and having been at the top of my scale I earn £16,203 in the north east of england. Now as a result of job evaluation and single status I am about to lose around£2,500 from my salary. No-one is interested in my experience, qualifications or my many years of skills and expertise. Roll on thelong awaited national pay scale, when hopefully we dedicated, hard worked and committed practitioners will be paid fairly for the job we do. Never in my long career have I felt so demoralised and low! We constantly hear the government saying how they value the highly skilled workforce but let us see if they are prepared to pay for what they already have?

by: MikeyEarlyYears

Judy have you thought about becoming a college lecturer and helping people with all your expeience to actually become nursery nurses themselves? Local FE college will offer more money for such a wealth of experience. (much more oin some cases)

Take care, Michael

by: Tiny Toes

I too am a Nursery Owner, I work in excess of 60 hours a week. I earn nothing. I am fortunate to have a working husband!! I would dearly love to pay my super staff more money but have yet to break even let alone make any profit. The government are moving the goalposts all the time and never put any money in to help the private sector..Years ago when I first qualified I worked in Social Service run day care...they pulled out big time as they could no longer afford to run them. We, private owners have taken up the batten, taken the burden away surely it's time to support us now...

by: caz

I was lucky i got out of privet nurseries to work for Sure Start/NCH now the council. Pay not great but a lot better then i was on. with three young children (8 mth, 3 yrs, 5yrs) I'm in a catch twenty two possition, can't afford to work ( child care fees, even with goverment help!!!), can't afford to not work. ThaNK GOODNESS FOR FAMILY TO LOOK AFTER THE KIDS.

by: Lilly

I haven't posted on here before, but this is a subject I have strong opinions about. After qualifying with my NNEB  worked in an independent school which I thought was low paid, then I took a career break to have my own children. They started school and I went back to the work I loved. This time a private day nursery. The drop in wages after 3 years off was unbelievable. I earn  around 3 thousand less a year and work 40 hrs a week with four weeks off a year. After having school holidays and working 36 hrs a week I really did have a wake up call. And yes all you private nursery owners who plead poverty, sorry but pay peanuts and get monkeys. I'm looking elsewhere. Although I hate to leave all the children.

 Anyone interested I have posted a petition on Prime Ministers website asking for better pay for Private Nursery practioners. 

by: Supertink85

Hey i work in a private nursery i have worked in the same nursery for 3 years and have 4 years experience in day nurseries. I have NVQ3 in childcrae and education and im 22 yet i am only on minimum wage for a 22 yr old. Its so depressing!!!!

by: jakeybrown

I work very hard for my great wages!!! I have worked in Southern Ireland, where I was getting €11 an hour, (roughly about £8 an hour) I was quiet shocked when I was told that I would be only getting £5.65 here!!!!

by: Pinklady

Hi Everyone

I worked as a Nursery nurse for 8 years when I said "that's it" I can do better than this and plus the money was crap! In the year 2005 I decided to change my job and applied for a Community Nursery Nurse, working in the Health Visiting Team with a trust in the inner london borough.  The money is better than working in the nursery but looking at what the health visitors gets we deserve much more.  Don't get me wrong the job is exciting and you learn something new everyday but the wages need to be more.  I believe that nursery nurses wages should start on £25.000 up wards and depending on what qualification you got.  We do a danm good job caring for those little mites! 

by: NeilD

Hi All,

 I own two seetings and our wage guide is:

Nursery Assistant £12,000

Nursery Nurse £13,000

Deputy £16500

Manager £18000

 These are starting figures and can go up if the person is good.

 We are based in Hampshire / Surrey

by: Tink84

I'm a nursery nurse and only earn £10,500 to £11,000

by: kerrance

Hi everyone,

Im 18 and am passed my DCE level 3 in June, i currently work with an agency on supply as a nursuary nurse and earn 6 pound an hour. I love my job and i wouldnt do anything else in the world but for such a demanding and important job the wages are pitiful afterall we care for the most presious things in peoples lives yet receive little rewards financialy or many cases from our employers!

by: Maestro

A lot of nurseries will always pay the minimum wage. As pointed out, fees charged by the nursery account mainl for overheads, wages, expenses etc... Very little and in a lot of cases nothing will go into the pockets of the smaller nursery owners. Many of the larger chains are able to take money for themselves and thats their privilege. The amount of time, effort and money needed to start and maintain a private nursery is huge, and a lot of the time is done for the love of the job. I know of several nurseries where owners do not take a wage but see the assets as their pensions.

Anyone that moans about being a qualified nursery nurse only receiving the minimum wage should ask themselves "did I research my chosen career?" Many girls/boys (I am male) see the job as a drop out job. They did poorly at school, their education is terrible and the careers advisor will go "don't worry you can do nursery nursing!!" Many training companies will put people through courses regardless of their ability because of the money they receive from the government to improve their statistics for an educated Britain! I've seen a couple of cases of assessors actually spelling out the answers because girls/boys just have not got a clue! The introduction of the degree program is a good start but flawed non the less. Unless the government steps in to help private nurseries we will never see payscales, too many nurseries will be put out of business! One of the main advantages to the higher qualifications is at the moment they are all free and they will open more doors for promotion. Stay where you are... well you will just receive the "going rate."

I would readily accept an education program similair to obtaining qualified teacher status if it helped improve the qulaity of staff working, staff wages and general improvement in the sector. The NVQ program is a joke, even after the changes they made to it a few years back. "You pay peanuts, you get monkeys" has already been mentioned on here, well trust me, there are plenty of monkeys out there! I have spent about 3 years looking for and closely monitoring work performance to obtain good hard working staff. They still play up something shocking sometimes, but thats what I expect, everyone has a bad days. Unfortunately the industry is rife with under skilled and qualified staff! Again nurseries have to spend time and money sieving the gold out of the mud so to speak! I value my staff and although I will come across as being harsh or strict over things that staff think are "pointless" I am trying to ultimately stop a snowballing decline in standards, and yes it works! My staff have all been here over 12months and the longest 6 years!

It just does not mean anything these days when staff say they are qualified!

And whilst many of you will say "I have X years experience, blah, blah, blah" nurseries can not afford to pay you! Arguing back that you can improve there provision so pay me more is really a waste of time as well. There will always be a monkey who wants the peanuts, and nurseries will go for the cheaper option. They can train/mold the staff to work to the standards that they want. Not an ideal choice by anyones standards, but one that has become acceptable in the industry. Although I've seen a few cringe worthy nurseries who just don't bother, and seem to go unnoticed.

Many improvements can be made and SHOULD be made to the industry, and not at the expense of the private nursery owners. When postive things start happening, I will stand up and take notice. As the EYPS has been introduced I would like quite like to see the NVQ program abolished! A teacher has informed me that her school plans to offer the NVQ programs (nursery nursing included) to the students from the age of 14! Words just cannot describe my thoughts! Unfortunately I do not employ under 18s or work experience they are too immature and alter the nursery risk assessments.

If anyone wants any clarification just ask! There are probably lots of things I have missed!

RE: RE: Nursery Nurses wages????? - 06-01-08 14:36

by: joshuajones

Well said that person !!!!!!

The NVQ programme, when it started was for mature people who had life experience and work experience, but could not afford to go to college, and it worked. Now - forget it.

This business of 14 year olds being able to complete NVQ2 by age 16 is ludicrous. Are the governrment going to reduce the age of responsibility now to 16, just as they reduced it from 18 to 17 when so many 17 year olds qualified to level 2 ?

They either want a well educated, qualified work force, EYPS, and help sustain this through tax breaks for employers or financial support in the PVI, or they want an industry full of poorly trained, poorly educated NVQ's. The NVQ is nowhere near as good as BTec, NNEB etc - the old fashioned college based courses.

    

RE: RE: RE: Nursery Nurses wages????? - 06-01-08 15:30

by: Chelle

RE: JoshJones.

I agree with you both, I started my NVQ due to having difficulties with College, and was only 17, I think that offering these levels to younger people is discusting. As I know when I was 14, I would not of not of been mature enough to complete it! Upon looking at the young persons in the work placerisk, it is far too much! I am keen to do my Foundation Degree, but as I'm not yet 21, am unable to do this. I think qualfications should be offered on a formal assesment of maturatie and knowledge.

by: Chelle

When i first started on a Modern App, 3 years ago, I was being paid 4k per annum. I may not of had a qualfication, but I had to teach the Health and Safety officer how to do Legal Documentation. When government laws changed to modern app being paid minimum wage, i was still only earning 8k, and taking on bigger responsabilities i.e. ICT, Backup Keyworking and later on over taking H&S officer. (which did not improve my salary) Upon qualfiying I am now earning 12k, of which I have 3 years experience behind me. A newly qualfied nursery officer, who has no experience, starts on the same wages as what I am earning now. There is a petition online to support nursery nurses wages...http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/nurseryworkers/

by: Maestro

"PLEASE PLEASE SHOW US THAT YOU AS PARENTS AND CONCERNED CITIZENS VALUE A CHILD'S LIFE MORE THAN A LOAF OF BREAD. YES THIS IS BRITAIN AND NOT A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY I'M TALKING ABOUT."

Are you serious? What a stupid statement. Minimum wage has nothing to do with whether or not parents