Senior Nursery Practitioner- Pre-school Room
Shenfield Day Nursery
Shenfield, Brentwood, Essex (CM15) | £28,000–£32,000 per year | Full-time or Part-time | Permanent
Ofsted recently praised us for our “culture of respect and kindness” and for making children feel “safe and valued.” If you’re an experienced Senior Practitioner who wants to lead a team in a nursery that genuinely lives its values — not just writes them on a poster — we’d love to hear from you.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- £750 joining bonus on successful completion of your probation
- Competitive salary of £28,000–£32,000 per year
- Genuine career progression across all our settings — several of our current senior team and managers were promoted from within
- Small, family-feel setting where staff know every child, not just the ones in their room
- Recently praised by Ofsted for strong safeguarding, positive behaviour and a warm, respectful culture
- Generous staff discount on childcare fees, plus a company pension scheme
- Wellbeing support including a free confidential counselling helpline, wellbeing sessions and mini podcasts on sleep, nutrition and mental health
- Fully funded training with in-house induction and access to further qualifications
- Regular celebrations — team building events, monthly restaurant vouchers, a monthly effort award and an annual staff awards ceremony
About Shenfield Day Nursery
We’re a well-established, independent nursery in the heart of Shenfield, proud that at least 98% of our team hold professional early years qualifications and paediatric first aid training. Our home-cooked, nutritionist-approved menus, rich outdoor curriculum and strong family partnerships are all part of what makes us different — and what makes people stay.
Take a look at life in our nursery, meet the team and see our latest Ofsted news at shenfielddaynursery.co.uk.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the daily running of a designated group, ensuring the highest standards of care, safety and wellbeing
- Plan, deliver and evaluate age-appropriate activities that support learning, creativity and development
- Supervise, mentor and support practitioners, promoting best practice across the team
- Build strong, positive relationships with parents and carers through open and effective communication
- Ensure individual children’s needs are met through the key person system
- Support the Nursery Manager in meeting regulatory requirements, including safeguarding, child protection and health & safety
- Create a stimulating, nurturing environment where children can thrive emotionally, socially and cognitively
- Keep accurate, up-to-date records of children’s development, achievements and wellbeing
What We’re Looking For
- A minimum Level 3 childcare qualification (or equivalent)
- Proven experience in a senior or similar early years role
- A genuine passion for working with young children and delivering high-quality care
- In-depth knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- Strong communication, organisational and leadership skills
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
- A current DBS check (or willingness to obtain one)
Schedule
Day shifts, Monday to Friday. Full-time or part-time options available.
Safeguarding Commitment
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care. All applicants will be subject to vetting and safeguarding procedures prior to appointment, including enhanced DBS checks, verification of qualifications, reference checks and confirmation of identity. Shortlisted candidates will receive a job description, person specification, equal opportunities monitoring form and a request for identification prior to interview.
How to Apply
Apply through Indeed.
For a flavour of nursery life, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Job Types & Requirements Snapshot
- Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
- Benefits: Employee discount, pension scheme, £750 joining bonus
- Education: GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
- Experience: Nursery: 2 years (required)
- Work Location: In person
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £28,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- Nursery: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
