NURSERY practitioners in Sussex took part in an industry-wide movement launched by Co-op Childcare to address a national shortage of nursery workers.

Co-op Childcare launched National Nursery Practitioner Day to encourage greater recognition of childcare workers and promote the opportunities that exist within the sector.

It also issued a UK-wide call to action for other childcare providers to mark the day and recognise the contribution of workers across the industry, with nurseries up and down the country signing up to the initiative.

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

An appreciation wall dedicated to displaying positive feedback from the parents and children was put up in each of Co-op Childcare’s 43 nurseries, with comments read out on the day.

Karen Parker, a nursery manager at Co-op Childcare in Sussex, said: “Working in childcare is such a rewarding career but it doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves so it’s great to have a day dedicated to us.”

“Parents have been leaving some wonderful feedback on our appreciation wall.”