Early Years Practitioner Level 2 or 3 – Maternity Cover
Squirrels Nursery is looking for a caring, reliable and enthusiastic Early Years Practitioner to join our team on a fixed-term maternity cover contract.
This role is expected to begin around 24 July 2026 and is anticipated to last for approximately 9 months, subject to the return of the substantive postholder.
You will help provide a high standard of care and education for children attending the nursery, supporting them to grow in confidence, creativity and curiosity within a welcoming and nurturing early years environment.
Job Details
Job Title: Early Years Practitioner Level 2 or 3
Contract: Fixed-term maternity cover
Expected Duration: Approximately 9 months
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £12.99 per hour
Responsible to: Deputy Manager / Manager
Location: Squirrels Nursery, Willow Trees Community Centre
About Squirrels Nursery
Squirrels Nursery is a welcoming and nurturing early years setting based within Willow Trees Community Centre. Rated Good by Ofsted in 2024, we provide flexible childcare 51 weeks a year.
Our modern facilities include a sensory room, outdoor play area, safe sleeping spaces and hot meals, all designed to create a stimulating and inclusive environment where children can learn, play and thrive.
Squirrels Nursery is part of YMCA Worcestershire. YMCA Worcestershire is committed to supporting all young people, particularly in times of need. Our vision is an inclusive future where everyone can reach their true potential.
About the Role
As an Early Years Practitioner, you will support the delivery of high-quality care and learning for children attending the nursery. You will work as part of a dedicated team to create a safe, stimulating and supportive environment, helping children to develop independence, confidence and curiosity.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Your duties will include:
- Planning and providing a wide range of activities to meet the needs of all children
- Encouraging children to become independent learners
- Maintaining high hygiene standards and encouraging children to do the same
- Conducting yourself professionally at all times
- Following nursery policies, procedures and safeguarding requirements
- Working collaboratively with other staff members as part of a team
- Attending team and planning meetings
- Supporting students within the setting where required
- Completing Learning Journeys and Pathway Profiles within agreed timescales
- Participating in relevant training to stay up to date with current Early Years practice
- Liaising with parents and carers about matters relating to their child
- Carrying out domestic duties within the setting as required
- Responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns
- Maintaining high standards of record-keeping and confidentiality
- Upholding YMCA Worcestershire’s aims, purposes and Christian ethos
- Supporting the safeguarding and welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults
About You
We are looking for someone who is warm, professional and committed to providing excellent care and education for children.
The successful candidate will have:
- A Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Practitioner qualification
- A strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- A commitment to maintaining high standards of care and education
- The ability to engage positively with children, parents, carers and colleagues
- A professional and flexible approach to working in a nursery environment
- An understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality
Benefits
- Fixed-term maternity cover opportunity
- Supportive nursery team
- Optional membership of a flexible defined contribution personal pension scheme
- Opportunities to take part in training relevant to the role
- The opportunity to work in a welcoming and nurturing early years setting
Additional Information
This is a fixed-term maternity cover position.
Employment will be conditional upon receipt of a satisfactory DBS disclosure and satisfactory references, and will be subject to successful completion of a six-month probationary period.
YMCA Worcestershire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment.
If you are passionate about early years care and education and want to make a positive difference in the lives of children, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: £25,330.50 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
