Nursery teachers, also known as Early years teachers, work with children aged from two to five years in day nurseries, nursery schools and reception classes. They are specialists in early childhood development. They plan, organise and run a wide range of learning and play activities for young children in a safe and supportive setting.

If you love children and are committed to giving them a great start in life, this could be an ideal career for you.

You’ll need a clear understanding of how young children learn, lots of creative ideas and the ability to work closely with parents, teachers and other professionals.

To become an early years teacher, you will need to complete Initial Teacher Education or Training in either primary or early years education.

Syllabus of NTT

The NTT is a one / Two year course. Those who have passed the matriculation or equivalent examination may seek for admission in it. There will be five theoretical papers and five functional examinations. They are as follows :

Semester - I
Subject Code Subject Name Marks
NTT101 Child Psychology-I 50
NTT102 Child Care Health-I 50
NTT103 Principles of Education-I 50
NTT104 School Organization-I 50
NTT105 Educational Psychology-I 50
Semester -I I
Subject Code Subject Name Marks
NTT201 Child Psychology-II 50
NTT202 Child Care Health-II 50
NTT203 Principles of Education-II 50
NTT204 School Organization-II 50
NTT205 Educational Psychology-II 50

Note - It is essential to have practical training in a pre-primary school for at least three months. This programme is prepared by the latest educational system to teach the children between 3-6 years of age.

The work

As an early years teacher(Nursery Teacher) you would work with children from two to five years old. You could be teaching in a nursery, children's centre or reception class in a primary school.

You would work to standards set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, and Key Stage 1 for children age five and over.

Your duties would include:

• supporting the children's development and learning through play

• building up their language, literacy and numeracy skills

• helping them achieve the learning goals of the EYFS

• encouraging co-operation and good behaviour

• making sure the children are safe at all times.

As well as working with the children, you would:

• plan and prepare activities and materials

• set out activities before classes and tidy up afterwards

• speak to parents and/or carers about their children’s development

• monitor children’s progress, and identify and deal with any issues

• attend meetings and training courses

• work closely with other professionals such as social workers on child protection issues.

You would also work with and supervise nursery workers (also known as early years educators), teaching assistants and volunteer helpers.