Job Purpose
To provide high-quality care, learning, and development opportunities for children in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating nursery environment. The Nursery Practitioner supports children's physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development while ensuring their welfare at all times.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide a safe, caring, and inclusive environment where children can learn and develop.
- Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging age-appropriate activities in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
- Observe, assess, and record children's progress, identifying individual learning needs and achievements.
- Build positive, professional relationships with children, parents, carers, and colleagues.
- Promote children's emotional well-being, independence, confidence, and self-esteem.
- Support children's personal care, including toileting, handwashing, feeding, and changing nappies where required.
- Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are followed at all times, reporting any concerns immediately.
- Maintain accurate records, including observations, accident reports, attendance, and developmental assessments.
- Prepare and maintain a clean, safe, and stimulating learning environment.
- Follow health and safety, hygiene, infection control, and food safety procedures.
- Administer first aid when required (if qualified) and respond appropriately to emergencies.
- Encourage positive behaviour using appropriate behaviour management strategies.
- Work effectively as part of a team and attend staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.
- Support outings, special events, and nursery activities as required.
- Ensure confidentiality is maintained in accordance with nursery policies and data protection legislation.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Early Years Childcare (or equivalent).
- Knowledge of the EYFS framework.
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Caring, patient, enthusiastic, and reliable.
- Good organisational and time management skills.
Desirable
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Experience working in a nursery or early years setting.
- Knowledge of supporting children with additional needs.
Skills and Competencies
- Child-centred approach to learning and care.
- Strong observational and assessment skills.
- Creativity in planning engaging learning experiences.
- Ability to build trusting relationships with children and families.
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Professionalism, flexibility, and resilience.
Working Conditions
- Full-time or part-time hours, including shift work between nursery opening and closing times.
- Work involves standing, bending, lifting, and active engagement with young children throughout the day.
- An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references are required before employment.
Safeguarding
The post holder has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and must comply with all safeguarding policies, procedures, and statutory guidance. Any concerns regarding the welfare of a child must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Equal Opportunities
The Nursery is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. All staff are expected to treat children, families, colleagues, and visitors with dignity, fairness, and respect.
Pay: £27,000.00-£34,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
