I have frequently been in this position and it seems there is nothing we can do about it. I queried it with a Unison official at a meeting once and was told that even within the same authority, if one takes a week off in between jobs it is perfectly legitimate for the employer to 'demote' staff in this way because the increments are for continuous service. Don't they value experience?
Also, have other nursery nurses noticed that jobs in schools that used to go to nursery nurses are now offered to unqualified staff to save money? Children with special needs and reception class pupils are often supported by unqualified and sometimes inexperienced people. Our school has a policy of offering dinner ladies extra hours to cover these posts. I am sure that when I leave my current position I will not be replaced by another nursery nurse.
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