Job Title: Nursery Practitioner (Early Years)
About Us
Hawkswood Nursery is an exciting new boutique early years setting located in a beautiful woodland environment. Our vision is to provide a calm, nurturing and inspiring space where children, families and staff can thrive.
Hawkswood Nursery can care for up to 40 children through two key early year approaches: outdoor learning and the Reggio Emilia approach to early years education.
As a new nursery we value initiative, professionalism and teamwork are committed to supporting our staff to grow alongside the nursery.
Job Purpose:
This is a unique opportunity for a proactive leader to join the team from the very beginning, to provide high-quality care, education, and safeguarding for young children in a nursery setting, supporting their development in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
· Support children’s learning and development by planning and delivering fun, engaging, and age-appropriate activities.
· Observe, assess, and record children’s progress, sharing information with parents, carers, and colleagues.
· Build strong, positive relationships with children, parents, carers, and staff to support children’s well-being and development.
· Create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment that meets each child’s individual needs, including cultural, medical, and developmental needs.
· Work as part of a team to maintain a consistent and supportive nursery environment.
· Support children’s personal care routines, including feeding, toileting, and rest times.
Health, Safety, and Safeguarding:
· Ensure the environment is safe, secure, clean, and free from hazards at all times.
· Supervise children closely to prevent accidents and promote their safety and well-being.
· Carry out regular risk assessments of equipment, rooms, and outdoor areas.
· Follow infection control procedures, including hygiene practices and safe food handling.
· Administer basic first aid where necessary and accurately record/report any accidents or incidents.
· Follow fire safety and emergency procedures, including evacuation drills.
· Safeguard children by being alert to signs of abuse or neglect and reporting concerns in line with nursery policies.
· Maintain confidentiality and follow safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures at all times.
Inclusion and SEND Support:
· Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion within the nursery.
· Support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to fully participate in activities.
· Work with the SENCO and other professionals to implement individual support plans.
· Adapt activities and resources to meet the individual needs of all children.
· Monitor development and identify any concerns, sharing these appropriately with parents and professionals.
Professional Responsibilities:
· Follow all nursery policies, procedures, and relevant childcare legislation.
· Maintain high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and organisation.
· Communicate effectively with parents, carers, and colleagues.
· Report any concerns about a child or family to the Nursery Manager while maintaining confidentiality.
· Continuously develop professional knowledge and skills.
Skills and Qualifications:
· Caring, patient, and enthusiastic approach
· Strong communication and teamwork skills
· Good observation and organisational abilities
· Understanding of child development and inclusive practice
· Relevant childcare qualification (Level 2 or 3)
· Knowledge of safeguarding and SEND
· Enhanced DBS check (required)
· First Aid (required)
· Competent in use of FAMLY app and other online platforms
Pay: £28,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Bereavement leave
- Childcare
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Matching gift scheme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Gerrards Cross SL9 7BN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Do you have a valid Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Educators (EYE)? If higher, please specify what level.
Experience:
- Early childhood education: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Paediatric First Aid Certification (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
