Paula Brown

My name is Paula Brown.   I have been a Community Nursery Nurse for the past 7 years, working within the Health Visiting Team for Waltham Forest 0-19 Children’s Services.

I complete the children’s 1 and 2-year health reviews, to ensure that the child is meeting their expected developmental milestones for their age.

I give advice regarding breastfeeding, diet and nutrition, sleep, behaviour, dental and accident prevention, and any other parenting issues to support parents and carers.   I refer children to the relevant services if necessary.  Our team works in partnership with the local Children’s Centres and other professionals.

I also work in the local health promotion clinics, weighing and measuring children and babies’ length/height to ensure the child is maintaining a healthy weight.   I am also one of the administrators for the NELFT Facebook Page.

My job role is interesting as I meet many different people.  Listening and communication skills are key to the role. The job is very satisfying, as you feel that you are helping families however big or small.  For example, you may be advising on diet, then following up the same client and seeing your advice has worked – this is always the highlight for myself.   The job is varied, and each day is different.

I started my career in my more mature years and managed to complete the NVQ Level 2-4 in Childcare and Development.  I have worked in a private nursery setting and worked in a local school as a teacher’s assistant.  I applied for the Community Nursery Nurse role with NELFT and have not looked back.

The advice that I would give someone looking for the same job role is that nothing is impossible, and age is only a number. If you are interested in children and helping families, have caring skills, and are able to complete the required qualifications then becoming a Community Nursery Nurse is a rewarding job.