Early Years Educator / Qualified Practitioner – Full Time & Part Time Roles
Locations: Puffins at Sowton Exeter EX2 7LL
Company Values: Kind Communicative Child‑Centred
Join a team where kindness guides our interactions, communication strengthens our community, and child‑centred practice shapes everything we do.
About Puffins Childcare
Puffins Childcare is a nurturing, innovative early years provider open 51 weeks of the year (closed Christmas week). We are dedicated to giving every child a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment in which to learn and grow. Our mission is to empower children through play‑based learning, emotional support, and meaningful relationships.
If you are passionate about early childhood education and want to make a genuine difference in children’s lives, we would love to hear from you.
About the Role
We are currently recruiting for Qualified Practitioners and Early Years Educators to join our teams. We have full‑time & part‑time positions available at our Sowton Nursery, plus other opportunities across all five nurseries in Exeter.
As a Practitioner / Early Years Educator, you will play a vital role in supporting children aged 4 months to 5 years, helping them flourish physically, emotionally, and cognitively. You will embody our values by creating warm, kind interactions, maintaining strong communication with families and colleagues, and delivering outstanding child‑centred care.
Key Responsibilities
Child‑Centred Practice
- Create a nurturing, stimulating environment where children feel safe, valued, and confident.
- Build trusting relationships with children by responding to their individual needs and interests.
Communicative Approach
- Maintain open, warm, and professional communication with parents, colleagues, and external professionals.
- Share regular updates on children’s progress, achievements, and wellbeing.
Kindness in Action
- Use gentle, positive behaviour guidance to support children’s emotional development.
- Foster an inclusive, respectful atmosphere for children, families, and staff.
Curriculum & Development
- Implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum through engaging, play‑based learning.
- Observe, assess, and record children’s developmental progress.
Safety & Wellbeing
- Ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of all children in your care.
- Follow safeguarding, health and safety, and company policies rigorously.
Team Collaboration
- Work closely with your room team and wider setting, contributing to a supportive, positive workplace culture.
Professional Growth
- Participate in ongoing training to strengthen your knowledge and skills.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Early Childhood Education / Early Years Educator
- At least 1 year of experience working with young children
- Strong understanding of child development and early years best practice
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work confidently as part of a team
- Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to obtain)
- Enhanced DBS check
Why Work for Puffins?
At Puffins, we recognise the dedication of our team and offer a comprehensive package designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and financial stability.
Career Progression
- Clear development pathways to Room Leader, Deputy Manager, and Centre Manager roles
- Opportunities across 6 settings
Benefits
- Free uniform
- Free DBS
- Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family
- Pay advances during financial hardship
- Loans for travel costs
- Flexible working patterns
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discounted gym membership
- Staff suggestion scheme with financial rewards
Time Off & Wellbeing
- 28 days holiday, rising to 33 for senior roles
- Additional holiday after 4 years of service
- Birthday Day Off after 1 year of service
- Self‑Care Day for all staff
- Paid bereavement leave
Financial & Lifestyle Perks
- Pension scheme
- Staff discount scheme (shopping, travel, food, clothing & more)
- 50% childcare discount on non‑funded hours
- Long‑service awards from 3 years
- Team building events & social gatherings
How to Apply
If you share our values and are passionate about supporting young children during their most formative years, please apply via Indeed.com.
Application Deadline: 18th August 2026
Our Commitment
As an early years provider, all appointments are made in line with safeguarding and welfare requirements. This includes ensuring that every member of staff is able, with reasonable adjustments where appropriate, to carry out the responsibilities of the role safely and effectively in order to support the wellbeing, supervision and safety of children.
With this in mind, we’re committed to diversity, ensuring fairness in hiring and workplace equity. These roles are open to people with disabilities and those living with health conditions or impairments, and we’re here to support any workplace adjustments needed during the recruitment process or throughout employment
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £12.71-£14.95 per hour
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Experience:
- Nursery: 1 year (preferred)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Level 2 Diploma in Childcare / Early Years Education (required)
- Level 3 Certificate in Childcare / Early Years Education (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
