Contribution of Chichester nursery workers recognised

Nursery practitioners in Chichester took part in the National Nursery Practitioner Day, launched by Co-op Childcare, last Wednesday (October 17), to address a national shortage of nursery workers.

The movement aimed to encourage greater recognition of childcare workers.

Kim Orton, nursery manager at Co-op Childcare in Chichester, said working in childcare is 'such a rewarding career', but stressed it 'doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves'.

She added: "It’s great to have a day that’s dedicated just to us.

“National Nursery Practitioner Day made the whole team feel even more appreciated and motivated. Parents have been leaving some wonderful feedback on our appreciation wall already which makes our job feel even more special.”

Rachael Escott, sales & marketing manager at Co-op Childcare, said she hoped the celebrations would help 'encourage more people to choose childcare as a career'.

She added: "With the launch of this day, we want to start a movement that will make nursery workers feel more appreciated everywhere.

"It’s important to us to do everything we can to make our colleagues feel as valued and supported as possible.

"This celebratory day was just a small way of saying thank you, and forms part of a much wider programme to reward our fantastic colleagues and celebrate the profession."

The creation of National Nursery Practitioner Day follows research that showed 45 per cent of childcare vacancies across the sector remain unoccupied.

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