NEW JOB TITLES ARE ON THE WAY

United Kingdom. April, 2012 - Nursery nurses in Irvine and Kilwinning are set to have their job titles changed under new council rules.

Following a consultation carried out by North Ayrshire Council local nursery nurses will now be known as “early years practitioners”. The change will be introduced to reflect the change and progression of a nursery nurse's role, according to council papers.

Traditionally, the role would be primarily rooted in childcare. However, in recent years, with the changes to nursery care and introduction of a curriculum, the role is now more focused on child development and learning.

In North Ayrshire, Nursery Nurses hold a BA Early Childhood, HNC Early Education and Childcare or SVQ Level Three in Children's Care Learning and Development.

Staff qualified to the same levels in other parts of Scotland have a number of job titles, including nursery nurse, early years practitioner, early education officer and early educators. Now officials have decided that, as part of a review of early years, the job title of nursery nurse should be changed to reflect the current remit and responsibilities.

For more, see irvinetimes.co.uk.