Senior Nursery Practitioner – Early Years
We are excited to offer an opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic Senior Practitioner to join our team at Shenfield Day Nursery. This role is ideal for someone with strong early years knowledge and leadership skills who is passionate about shaping outstanding care and learning experiences for children.
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 and positive relationships with parents and carers, maintaining 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 and nurturing environment where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and cognitively.
· Keep accurate and 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 shift
Monday to Friday (Full-time or Part-time options available)
Staff Benefits Package
· In-house training & access to further training courses
· Continuing Professional Development opportunities
· Excellent career & progression opportunities
· Discount in childcare fees *subject to availability
· Complimentary staff events
· Approachable & open-door policy of management
· Staff team building events
· Complimentary restaurant vouchers
· Annual Staff Awards Ceremony
· Staff Wellbeing Programme
· Annual staff questionnaires where staff ideas are progressed
· Regular all-staff management presentations to engage staff in our development plans
-£750 joining bonus on successful completion of your probation
Safeguarding Commitment
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care. As part of this commitment, all applicants will be subject to vetting and safeguarding procedures prior to appointment. This includes, but is not limited to, enhanced DBS checks, verification of qualifications, reference checks, and confirmation of identity.
The role also carries specific safeguarding responsibilities, as outlined in the job description and person specification, and the successful candidate will be expected to uphold and actively promote these at all times.
All shortlisted candidates will receive a job description, person specification, equal opportunities monitoring form, and a request for identification prior to interview.
For a preview of our wonderful nursery, please visit our Facebook page and watch our short film:
www.facebook.com/littleadventurersnursery
Person Specification (Essential Criteria)
· Minimum Level 3 qualification in childcare (or equivalent).
· Experience of working in an early years setting, ideally with supervisory or leadership responsibilities.
· Strong knowledge of the EYFS and a commitment to delivering high-quality practice.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with children, parents, and staff.
· Ability to inspire, lead, and motivate a team.
· Reliable, organised, and flexible with a positive and proactive attitude.
· A commitment to continuous professional development.
· Demonstrates an understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and a commitment to child protection.
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
