Early Years Practitioner (Level 2+)
Little Oaks Nursery at Derby Grammar School | Littleover, Derby (DE23)
Permanent | Full-Time | 40 Hours per Week | 4-Day-Per-Week Contracts Available | Up to £30,051 per annum (DOE)
Looking for a nursery where you can make a real difference while being part of a supportive and inspiring team?
At Little Oaks Nursery, we believe that every child deserves the very best start in life. We're passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, confident and excited to learn—and where our team feels valued, supported and encouraged to grow.
Set within the beautiful grounds of Derby Grammar School, Little Oaks Nursery provides a bright and inspiring environment for children aged 3 months to 5 years. With dedicated baby, toddler and pre-school rooms, children are encouraged to learn through play, exploration and discovery, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Our approach is strongly influenced by the Forest School ethos, helping children develop curiosity, creativity, confidence and independence while building a real connection with the natural world. As part of Inspired Learning Group, you'll enjoy the close-knit feel of a welcoming nursery while also benefiting from the training, support and career progression opportunities available across our wider family of independent schools and nurseries.
We're looking for a passionate and qualified Early Years Practitioner with a minimum Level 2 Early Years qualification to join our friendly and dedicated team. Whether you're an experienced practitioner or looking for a nursery where you can continue to develop your skills and career, we'd love to hear from you.
We can offer either a full-time 40-hour contract or a 4-day-per-week contract, giving you some flexibility around your working week.
What you'll be doing
As an Early Years Practitioner, you'll play an important role in providing high-quality care and education, helping children develop their confidence, independence and curiosity while ensuring they feel happy, secure and supported.
You'll:
- Plan and provide engaging, play-based learning experiences that reflect children's individual interests, needs and stages of development.
- Create a warm, safe and stimulating environment where children feel confident to explore, learn and express themselves.
- Observe and assess children's development, using your knowledge of the EYFS to identify and plan meaningful next steps.
- Build strong and positive relationships with children, parents and carers, working in partnership to support each child's development and wellbeing.
- Support children's communication, confidence, independence and emotional wellbeing through responsive and nurturing practice.
- Make the most of the nursery's fantastic indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging children to explore, investigate and learn through nature and play.
- Embrace the nursery's Forest School ethos, helping children develop resilience, curiosity and a love of the natural world.
- Work closely with colleagues to provide consistent, high-quality care and education across the nursery.
- Support the smooth day-to-day running of your room and contribute positively to the wider nursery team.
- Ensure safeguarding, health and safety and children's wellbeing remain at the heart of everything you do.
- Contribute ideas and enthusiasm to continually improve the experiences we provide for children and families.
We're looking for someone who has:
- A DfE-approved Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
- Previous experience working in a nursery or Early Years setting.
- Good knowledge of the EYFS, child development and safeguarding.
- A caring, positive and enthusiastic approach.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- A genuine passion for providing high-quality Early Years education and care.
- The ability to build warm, trusting relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
- An interest in outdoor learning and a willingness to embrace the nursery's Forest School ethos.
Why join Little Oaks Nursery?
We believe that when our people feel supported and valued, children benefit too. That's why we invest in our team and create opportunities for people to develop their skills and careers.
We offer:
- Salary up to £30,051 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.
- Full-time 40-hour contracts or 4-day-per-week contracts.
- Annual salary reviews.
- Discounted childcare.
- Free lunch during your working day.
- Generous holiday entitlement.
- Health and wellbeing support.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Career progression opportunities across Inspired Learning Group.
- A friendly, experienced and supportive team.
- The opportunity to work within the beautiful grounds of Derby Grammar School.
- Excellent indoor and outdoor learning environments.
- The opportunity to be part of a nursery with a strong focus on outdoor learning, exploration and the Forest School ethos.
Apply today and become part of the Little Oaks team, helping give every child the very best start in life.
For more information, please contact Danielle on 07542 605096 or [email protected].
Safeguarding Statement
Derby Grammar School and Little Oaks Nursery are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.
Successful applicants will be required to undergo enhanced DBS clearance, identity, qualification and employment checks, including exploration of any gaps in employment and the receipt of two satisfactory references.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.
INDMP
Pay: Up to £30,051.00 per year
Work Location: In person
