Early Years Practitioner – Be Part of Something New!
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Have you been searching for the spark that made you fall in love with Early Years in the first place?
Would you love the opportunity to be part of a brand-new nursery from the very beginning, helping to shape its culture, environment and future?
Pumpkins Day Nursery is excited to be expanding, and we're looking for passionate, caring and enthusiastic Early Years Practitioners to join our team ahead of the opening of our new nursery in Bowers Gifford, planned for Q4 2026/Q1 2027.
For the right candidates, there may also be opportunities to work at our established Canvey Island nursery in the months leading up to the opening, allowing you to become part of the Pumpkins family before we open our new doors.
About Us
Pumpkins has been providing high-quality childcare since 1993. We're a privately owned nursery with a reputation for creating a warm, nurturing environment where both children and staff flourish.
Our new Bowers Gifford nursery marks an exciting new chapter, and we're looking for people who want to help build something truly special from day one.
About You
We're looking for someone who is warm, positive, motivated and genuinely passionate about giving children the very best start in life.
The successful candidate will:
- Hold a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent)
- Be a reliable, enthusiastic team player
- Have excellent written and spoken English
- Demonstrate a good understanding of child development and the EYFS
- Build strong relationships with children, families and colleagues
- Take on the role of Key Person, completing observations, planning and assessments
- Have a sound understanding of safeguarding, including Prevent Duty and FGM
Desirable (but not essential)
- Knowledge of SEND
- Paediatric First Aid qualification
- Experience using iConnect
The Role
- Flexible hours available from a minimum of 10 hours per week, with opportunities for additional (up to 40) hours
- Shifts worked between 7:30am and 7:00pm, Monday to Friday
- Flexibility to work early and late shifts
- Occasional evening or Saturday attendance for training and staff meetings
- Initial opportunities may be available at our Canvey Island nursery before transferring to our new Bowers Gifford setting upon opening
What We Offer
- Company pension
- Uniform provided
- On-site parking
- Company events
- Employee recognition scheme
- Ongoing training and development
- A genuinely supportive, friendly team
- The unique opportunity to help establish a brand-new nursery from the ground up
Essential Requirements
- Minimum of one year's experience working within a nursery or childcare setting
- Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one)
- Satisfactory references
- Ability to reliably commute to Canvey Island initially (where applicable), and Bowers Gifford once the new nursery opens
Job Type
- Part-time
- Fixed-term contract initially, with excellent opportunities for permanent roles as the new nursery grows.
Ready to join us?
If you're looking for more than just another nursery job, and want the chance to help create an inspiring environment where children, families and staff thrive, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and be part of the next exciting chapter of Pumpkins Day Nursery.
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
