Have you ever wanted to be an astronaut? Explore a jungle searching for hidden animals? Or join a magical tea party in the enchanting gardens of a toddler’s imagination? At Little Shipmates Day Nursery, these adventures happen every day! Here, whether you’re a tiny two-year-old or a fully grown adult, fun, laughter, and curiosity are part of the job.
About Us
Little Shipmates Day Nursery was the very first nursery in the Little Shipmates family. With our cosy, homely setting in Hythe, we create a warm, welcoming space where children and staff feel like part of a big family. Every day is full of exploration, creativity, and learning, all wrapped up in a sense of belonging.
The Role
We are looking for a warm, caring, and playful Level 2 or Level 3 Qualified Nursery Practitioner to join our friendly team and support our children during the busy lunchtime period.
You’ll help children enjoy mealtimes in a relaxed and positive way, encouraging independence, good manners, and social interaction. You’ll also support children as they move between play, lunch, and rest, helping to maintain a calm, happy atmosphere where every child feels cared for, included, and valued.
Hours: 12:00pm–3:00pm, Monday to Friday
Pattern: All-year-round (term-time positions not available)
Who We’re Looking For
You’re someone who:
- Loves working with children and helping them grow.
- Believes in the power of play, imagination, and curiosity.
- Enjoys supporting and inspiring colleagues in a positive, nurturing environment.
- Has a full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in early years care and education.
Our Values
At Little Shipmates, our values guide everything we do:
- Enthusiasm – bringing energy, joy, and positivity to everything we do
- Professionalism – maintaining high standards in care and learning
- Achievement – supporting children and staff reach their full potential
- Belonging – creating and nurturing a true sense of family and inclusion
- Recognition – celebrating and rewarding all successes, big and small
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
We care about our staff as much as we care about our children. When you join Little Shipmates, you’ll enjoy:
- 30% childcare discount (rising to 50% after 2 years continuous service).
- Enhanced holiday entitlement with long service.
- Festive closure over Christmas period.
- On-hand wellbeing support, including internal Mental Health First Aiders and a free 24/7 counselling service.
- Annual pay reviews and additional increases for long-serving staff members.
- Regular fun social events, and team-building activities.
- Workplace pension.
- Staff uniform provided (alternative lightweight summer tops included!).
- Staff room refreshments including tea, coffee, squash, and sweet treats.
- Seasonal chocolate treats at Easter and Christmas!
- Ample support and opportunities to progress your career including further qualifications and training.
- Refer-a-Friend Bonus Scheme
Next Steps
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, we’d love to hear from you! Give us a call on 02380 841166 to have a friendly, informal chat with the Nursery Manager.
Important Information
- An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references are required prior to commencing employment.
- Little Shipmates is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Due to the nature of the role, it is exempt from the provision of the Section 4.2 of The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Therefore, candidates must disclose any pending charges, convictions, bind overs, or cautions as required by law. Applications are not entitled to withhold information about conviction which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the act. Failure to disclose may result in dismissal or termination of the offer of employment.
Discover more about us at www.littleshipmates.com.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £12.91-£13.24 per hour
Application question(s):
- Do you hold a full and relevant Level 2 or 3 Childcare qualification? (Please note health and social care is not deemed as full and relevant)
Experience:
- Childcare: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
