Early Years Teacher Duties & Responsibilities

The role and function of an Early Years Teacher includes the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Developing and producing visual aids and teaching resources;
  • Organising learning materials and resources and making imaginative use of resources;
  • Developing children’s curiosity and knowledge;
  • Working with others, including teaching assistants and/or nursery nurses as well as volunteer helpers, to plan and coordinate work both indoors and outdoors;
  • Observing, assessing and recording each child’s progress;
  • Attending in-service training;
  • Sharing knowledge gained with other practitioners and parents;
  • Providing pastoral care and support to children and providing them with a secure environment to learn;
  • Motivating and stimulating children’s learning abilities, often encouraging learning through experience;
  • Ensuring the health and safety of children and staff is maintained during all activities, both inside and outside the nursery/school;
  • Keeping up to date with changes in the curriculum and developments in best practice.
  • Assisting with the development of children’s personal/social and language abilities;
  • Supporting the development of children’s basic skills, including physical coordination, speech and communication;
  • Encouraging children’s mathematical and creative development through stories, songs, games, drawing and imaginative play;

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Early Years Teacher duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Early Years Teacher roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.