I work as a nursery nurse in a mainstream primary school, with reception year and Year 2. I take groups of up to eight children out of class, deliver the lesson to them and differentiate wherever I feel necessary. I plan for my groups, mark work, reward and praise, and liaise with teachers about their progress. I also attend INSET training. I have been at college for five years, and have paid more than 1,000 myself to attend courses and promote my development. And I have, when staffing numbers have been low and budgets strained, taken classes for a day or so.
On the other hand, should anyone be sick, bleed, wet or soil themselves, I am called on to console and treat the poor child, then mop up the mess. Do I have an extra responsibility point to reward my extra duties? No - all this is done on a non-qualified nursery nurse rate of pay.
Do I think this Government money will go towards raising my status, and acknowledging my experience and skills? I think not. More than likely it will be dropped in the kitty and swallowed up by supply fees.
Debbie Cheyne. Preston, Lancashire
