Hi girls, can anyone help me? I desperatly want to become a nursery nurse. I am 20, I can't afford to go to college as I have rent and bills to pay. So I have been looking for somewhere I can do on the job training. I have applied to Leapfrog as they do on the job training with qualifications at the end. But that was 3 weeks ago and they still haven't replied. I don't know what to do! I hate my job and I dont want to waste anymore time doing pointless jobs. I want qualifications and a job I will enjoy. (i love kids) anyone got any advice?! xx

I know this post is a bit old but i hope you found the right qualification for you. I was a nursery nurse for a couple of years after getting my BTEC level 3.
I didnt find the work difficult(though I was overworked) but the pay, even with my qualifications, was extremely poor (minimum wage). The trainees were on a rediculous wage (£2.50 per hour). I dont wish to put you off but think long & hard about this choice of career, especially if you are going to be a trainee, as it takes a good few years to be qualified.

well theraze, u could try doing NVQ in childcare.which i hav done..NVQ is like doin training n u could work part-time..as well..n it onli takes abt 6-8 months to do level 2..n once u hav NVQ level 2 it will be easy for u to find a full time job n do ur level 3 training with it as well...if u want more information u could contact me.

If not, give them a bell and chase them up. It shows initiative and they shouldn't mind.

Since I posted that message I emailed their recruitment office and few days later recieved a letter! Fingers crossed! Just worried it might not pay enough to begin with as I will only be trainee. I wouldn't mind but its just my rent is quite high

hey huni, gald that you think you have had success.....
hun nursery nursing is extremely hard work im 21 and work with 2-3 year olds, and OMG i cannot tell u how difficult it is. if you are serious about becoming an early years practitioner then u seriously need to not be in it for the money. i am currently undertaking an ENVQ level 3 in childcare, at work. this means that my assesor comes and sees me at work and sets me work on the web on my personal portfolio to complete.
most day nurseries can accomodate this, maybe this is something you could consider?
i undertake mine through JHP Care.
hope i have been of some help xx