Start Your Career in Early Years
STEMtacular Childcare is looking for a caring and enthusiastic Early Years Practitioner to join our friendly early years team in Great Shelford, Cambridge..
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to start or develop a career in early years education. You’ll support children’s learning and development through play, help create a safe and nurturing environment, and work alongside experienced practitioners who will support your training and progression.
No previous childcare qualification is required – what matters most is that you have the right attitude, a genuine interest in supporting young children, and are willing to work towards a recognised Level 3 Early Years qualification.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to earn while they learn, gaining practical experience in a nursery while working towards becoming a qualified Level 3 Early Years Practitioner.
If you’re kind, reliable and excited about helping children get the best possible start in life, we’d love to hear from you.
About STEMtacular Childcare
STEMtacular Childcare operates early years settings specialising in high-quality, inquiry-led STEM provision for children aged 0–5 years. Our nurseries combine the statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage with rich, hands-on science, technology, engineering and maths learning. We value curiosity, inclusion, staff development and strong partnerships with families and local communities..
Main Purpose of Job:
The Early Years Practitioner works as part of the nursery team to provide safe, nurturing and high-quality care for young children.
This role supports children’s learning and development through play, contributes to a stimulating and inclusive environment, and promotes children’s wellbeing at all times. The post-holder will work under the guidance of qualified staff while developing the skills and knowledge needed to progress within early years practice and hold some key-person responsibilities.
Teaching, Learning & Development
- Support the planning and delivery of play-based learning activities for individual children and small groups
- Contribute to a purposeful, stimulating indoor and outdoor environment rich in learning opportunities
- Support children’s learning, development and independence through positive interactions
- Develop skills to contribute to observation, assessment and recording of children’s learning & working as a key-person
- Support inclusive practice and ensure all children are able to participate fully
- Act as a positive role model, setting appropriate expectations and boundaries.
Safeguarding & Child Protection
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of all children at all times
- Follow nursery safeguarding policies and procedures and report concerns appropriately
- Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
- Speak up about any practice that does not meet expected standards.
Partnership with Parents & Professionals
- Build positive, respectful relationships with parents/carers
- Share information about children’s learning, development and wellbeing
- Support parental involvement in children’s learning
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and external professionals where required.
Partnership with Parents & Professionals
- Build positive, respectful relationships with children and parents/carers
- Share appropriate information with parents/carers in line with nursery guidance
- Support parental involvement in children’s learning and daily experiences.
Inclusion & SEND
- Support inclusive practice for all children, including those with SEND or emerging needs
- Work with colleagues to implement agreed support strategies and interventions
- Promote equality, diversity and respect within daily practice.
Health, Safety & Wellbeing
- Maintain a safe, clean and healthy environment at all times
- Support daily room and outdoor checks and follow health and safety procedures
- Meet children’s physical care needs, including personal hygiene and mealtimes
- Provide comfort, reassurance and care, ensuring children feel safe and welcome.
Teamwork & Professional Development
- Work collaboratively as part of the nursery team
- Support and learn from qualified colleagues through daily practice and reflection
- Attend training, meetings and supervision sessions as required
- Engage positively in professional development opportunities, including qualifications where appropriate
- Support students or work placements when directed.
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate attendance and basic records as required
- Adhere to all nursery policies, procedures and codes of conduct
- Undertake reasonable duties to support the smooth running of the nursery
- Work collaboratively as part of a team, supporting positive relationships and practice
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff, sharing information only when appropriate or legally required.
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and positive communication at all times.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure a high-quality learning environment and positive team culture.
Additional Information
This post is exempt from The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 as the position involves working within the close proximity of young children. The post holder will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure and to be a member of the DBS Update Service.
All staff will be subject to regular supervision sessions and will be required to sign a suitability declaration on an annual basis to ensure that ongoing suitability is monitored.
All staff must hold an in-date paediatric first aid certificate.
All employees are made aware of their responsibility to notify their Line manager(s) immediately of any changes to their circumstances that may affect their suitability to work with children – this is also the case in terms of any changes to the circumstances of those who live with the member of staff.
STEMtacular Childcare is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all staff and volunteers to uphold this commitment in every aspect of their work.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds.
All roles are subject to our rigorous safer recruitment procedures, including an enhanced DBS check, a minimum of two independent references, and, where applicable, additional overseas criminal record checks for individuals who have lived or worked abroad.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £12.71-£13.45 per hour
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Language:
- Fluent English (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Location:
- Cambridge, Cambridgeshire (preferred)
Work Location: In person
