Senior Early Years Educator | The Barn Childcare at Hartburn
Early Years | EYFS | Stockton-on-Tees
£14 per hour
Full Time | Permanent
About The Barn
At The Barn, our purpose is simple but powerful: to make a positive difference to children's lives.
We create nurturing, inspiring environments where children feel safe, valued and curious about the world around them. Rooted in outdoor learning and play-based practice, our Forest School ethos encourages children to explore, get messy, build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning.
We are proud of the warm, family-like culture we've built, where staff feel respected, supported and genuinely enjoy coming to work.
About The Barn at Hartburn
Hartburn is a welcoming and growing nursery with a fantastic team, strong family relationships and excellent outdoor learning opportunities.
As we continue to grow, we are looking for a Senior Educator who can help lead practice across the nursery while remaining hands-on with children and families.
The Role
This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced Level 3 practitioner who is looking to take the next step in their career.
Unlike a traditional Room Leader role, this position works across the nursery, supporting children, colleagues and the management team wherever needed.
You will play an important role in helping maintain high standards of care, learning, safeguarding and operational excellence throughout the nursery.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver exceptional care, learning and development opportunities for children
- Act as a role model for excellent early years practice
- Support and mentor colleagues across the nursery
- Help maintain consistency and high standards across all rooms
- Assist with planning, observations and assessments
- Build strong relationships with children and families
- Support children's learning through play, exploration and outdoor experiences
- Take responsibility for one or more leadership areas, such as:
- SEND
- Behaviour and emotional wellbeing
- Health and Safety
- Fire Safety
- Looked After Children (LAC)
- PANCo responsibilities
- Safeguarding support
- Participate in opening or closing the nursery when required
- Support quality improvement initiatives across the setting
What We're Looking For
We'd love to hear from you if you:
- Hold a relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification
- Have substantial experience within an early years setting
- Have a strong understanding of child development and the EYFS
- Enjoy supporting and encouraging colleagues
- Are interested in developing leadership and specialist responsibilities
- Are passionate about outdoor learning and child-led practice
- Have excellent communication skills
- Are enthusiastic, dependable and positive
What We Offer
- £14 per hour depending on experience and qualifications
- Full-time position
- Opportunities to develop specialist leadership responsibilities
- Ongoing professional development and training
- Future progression opportunities within The Barn
- Supportive leadership team
- Company pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- Employee childcare discount
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Free parking
- A unique Forest School environment
- The opportunity to make a real difference every day
Safeguarding & Compliance
The Barn is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
All appointments are subject to:
- Enhanced DBS check
- Satisfactory references
- Right to work in the UK
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a short covering letter telling us:
- About your early years experience
- Why you are interested in this role
- Which specialist area(s) of nursery leadership particularly interest you
We look forward to hearing from you.
The Barn Childcare — making a positive difference to children's lives.
Pay: £14.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Childcare
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Relocation assistance
Work Location: In person
