Begin Your Journey as an Early Years Teacher (EYITT Programme – September 2026 Start)
Are you passionate about early childhood education and ready to take the next exciting step in your career?
At Stepping Stones Day Nursery, we are entering a truly special period of growth and development. As we continue to expand our Sprowston provision in partnership with Sparhawk School—welcoming younger children and growing our spaces—we are creating even more opportunities, enriching environments, and magical beginnings for the children and families we support. Alongside this, our much-loved Spixworth setting continues to thrive, making this a wonderfully exciting time to join our nursery family.
We are delighted to offer an opportunity to join us through the Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) programme, starting in September 2026.
Are you ready to inspire young learners, spark curiosity, and help shape the very earliest stages of children’s development—building strong foundations that last a lifetime?
This 12-month, fully funded postgraduate programme leads to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) and offers a rich blend of hands-on experience within our settings alongside high-quality training with an accredited provider. You will gain experience working with children from birth to five, developing your knowledge of child development, early years pedagogy, and effective teaching practice.
We are looking for someone who is caring, enthusiastic, and committed—someone ready to learn, grow, and play a meaningful role in supporting children as they explore, discover, and flourish.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of an evolving and supportive environment, where you can develop your skills, build confidence, and take the first steps towards a rewarding career in Early Years teaching.
To apply, you will need:
- A bachelor’s degree
- GCSE grade C/4 or above in English, Maths, and Science
At Stepping Stones, we believe in creating a safe, stimulating, and joyful environment where every child can thrive—and where every team member is supported to reach their full potential. Could this be the beginning of your journey with us?
♥ What We’re Looking For ♥
We’d love to hear from you if you are:
- Experienced in supporting children across all developmental stages.
- Confident with the EYFS framework, tailoring learning to each child’s needs and interests.
- Creative and playful, delivering activities that spark curiosity, imagination, and independence.
- Committed to safeguarding and wellbeing, ensuring every child feels safe, included, and valued.
- Able to build positive partnerships with parents, keeping them informed and reassured.
- Enthusiastic, reliable, and proactive – a true team player with a smile!
★ Your Role & Responsibilities ★
As a Nursery Practitioner, you will:
- Take on Key Person responsibilities, observing, assessing, and celebrating each child’s progress.
- Be actively involved in planning and delivering inspiring EYFS-based learning experiences.
- Work closely with colleagues, children, and families to provide the very best care and education.
- Celebrate diversity and inclusion, supporting children with SEN and additional needs.
- Create a nurturing environment where children can grow in confidence, independence, and resilience.
- Contribute to the smooth running of the nursery, ensuring safety, organisation, and a positive atmosphere.
☺ What We Offer You ☺
At Stepping Stones, we value and support our staff — after all, you’re at the heart of everything we do!
- Competitive pay (permanent contract)
- Pay will increase on successful completion of the Early Years Initial Teacher Training course
- Closed for 2 weeks over Christmas (aligned with Norfolk County Council school calendar).
- No parking charges.
- Staff days out & “treat days”.
- Career progression opportunities.
- Ongoing training & professional development.
- Workplace pension scheme
- Working hours between 8.00am-5.15pm.
✔ Essential Requirements ✔
- Full & relevant degree level qualification.
- Completion of Introduction to Safeguarding, Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene, Food Allergen and COSHH training as a minimum - these training courses will be provided by us
- Willingness to undertake further training to support and enhance your own professional development to support the children we work for
- Willingness to enroll on the Early Years Initial Teacher Training programme from September 2026
- Enhanced DBS check (with subscription to the Update Service) - the first year is provided by us
- Genuine passion for early years education and supporting young children.
➡ Why Join Us? ➡
At Stepping Stones, we’re more than just a nursery — we’re a community. Our ethos is built on kindness, creativity, and curiosity, with every child’s unique journey celebrated and supported. As part of our team, you’ll not only make a difference in children’s lives, but you’ll also be supported, appreciated, and encouraged to grow in your own career.
To find out more about us and to find our application form, visit: www.steppingstonesdaynursery.org/careers
If this sounds like the perfect fit for you, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today and take the next step in your Early Years journey with us.
Depending on your start date, the initial pay may be £12.71 per hour until you begin the Early Years Initial Teacher Training course. Pay will rise to £13.40 once the course begins and will increase higher on successful completion of the course.
All job opportunities at Stepping Stones Day Nursery are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (under the Exemptions Order) due to the nature of our business.
Rigorous recruitment checks are carried out and successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and Update Service sign up.
Short listed candidate/s will be asked about relevant criminal records as part of pre-recruitment checks. If a relevant criminal record is disclosed, we will ensure an open and fair discussion takes place before making a final offer. Failure to disclose information that is then later revealed on a DBS check (criminal record check) could lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment. After receiving the DBS check, we will discuss any matters revealed that have not been previously addressed, before reconsidering the conditional offer of employment.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £13.40 per hour
Application question(s):
- Please list the full title of your degree qualification
- Please indicate if you are interested in a position at our Spixworth or Sprowston nursery
Work Location: In person
