Nursery World - Health in the workplace

Knee pain affects a quarter of adults aged 50 and over, so how do
older practitioners cope with a job that requires them to be on their
hands and knees all day? Sue Cussen, 54, a former lead practitioner,
looks into the issue.

How long do practitioners feel comfortable working directly with children before moving on to a less hands-on role? The years of sitting in small chairs, carrying babies, moving equipment and crawling around on the floor all take their toll on our bodies.

Many long-term practitioners accept that pain is something that comes with the job. Carol Beard, manager at Ruardean Acorns Pre-School in Gloucestershire, has had three operations on her knee that left her on crutches for 12 weeks at a time. She also has arthritis in her back, which affects two discs, and has had a back operation. All this since she started working in early years 20 years ago.

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