Nursery World - Show respect

I am an NNEB nursery nurse and have worked in a primary school for some years. During my time there I have had a variety of roles including standing in for both the nursery and reception teachers during any absence, and frequently being in charge of the nursery while the teacher was on 'non-contact'. I have also planned for the nursery class and seen its transition from one teacher to another. I have planned my activities and attended staff training, and all the other things a school expects its staff to do, and I know that many other learning support assistants have done the same. But I feel that I am just seen as a 'babysitter' instead of the professional that I am.

I have planned my activities and attended staff training, and all the other things a school expects its staff to do, and I know that many other learning support assistants have done the same. But I feel that I am just seen as a 'babysitter' instead of the professional that I am.

I am concerned that soon the only qualified professionals wishing to work in the state sector will be teachers. I would love to train as a teacher, but finances and other responsibilities at present don't allow me to do so -especially as I have done two years of full-time training already, as well as having the experience of working with young children for several years.

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