Early Years Practitioner - 40 hours per week/All year round
We Are Recruiting:
Are you an inspirational, dedicated, and passionate early years educator? Join our well-established team in High Wycombe (Handy Cross) and be part of a nurturing environment where you can truly make a difference in children’s lives and develop your career in early years.
Position: Early Years Educator
Essential Criteria: Full & Relevant Level 2 Early Years Qualification
Hours: 40 hours per week (option to condense 40 hours over 4 days)
Salary Level 3: from £27,477
Opening Hours: 7.30 am to 6.30 pm
About Our Nursery:
We are a family-run business with over 25 years of experience and eight beautiful nurseries across Buckinghamshire and West London. Our High Wycombe setting is especially close to our hearts – a truly unique nursery nestled in the heart of the community. Celebrating its 6th birthday in 2025, the nursery was lovingly transformed into a vibrant early year setting by our founders, Olivia and Tim. Thoughtfully designed with stunning rooms, exceptional resources, and exciting outdoor gardens, the nursery is a place where curiosity, creativity, and joy come to life.
The ongoing development of the nursery is a priority, with generous budgets for resources, enrichment activities, and creative projects which our dedicated maintenance team work closely with the nursery staff to bring inspiring ideas to life for the children.
What can we offer you?
- A competitive salary with regular reviews
- Workplace pension
- Employee Assistance Programme – available from your first day of employment
- Extra Birthday/Wellbeing Day as an annual gift *
- Bupa health care package *
- Flexible Working Options
- Mental health first aiders at nursery to offer support when needed
- 50% discounted childcare fees *
- FREE Monthly Staff Prize Draw
- Retail discounts
- FREE welcome goodie bag, uniform, snacks, drinks and personal care items whilst at work
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth including 5 paid training days per year, access to extensive online and face to face CPD
- Referral bonus when you recommend a staff member or a family to the nursery *
- Team wellbeing and celebration budget to enable regular events, celebrations, annual awards day, summer and Christmas party and treats at nursery.
*terms and conditions apply & details are shared in employee welcome pack
What we are looking for:
We’re seeking a special individual who along with a full and relevant level 2 early years qualification can bring fun, laughter, warmth, and a genuine passion for early years education to our children, families and team.
You will be responsible for:
- Planning and delivering a rich, engaging EYFS curriculum tailored to each child
- Creating inspiring indoor and outdoor spaces that promote exploration and independence
- Building strong bonds as a key person, supporting children’s development and working closely with families
- Supporting calm, inclusive routines like mealtimes and transitions
- Making meaningful observations and assessments to inform planning
- Contributing to reflective team meetings and ongoing quality improvement
- Engaging in continuous professional development and keeping up with best practice
Apply Now!
Join our award-winning, family-run nursery group at our beautiful High Wycombe setting. Be part of a passionate team that’s making a real difference in children’s lives every day. We can’t wait to hear from you!
We embrace everyone. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive culture and diverse workforce.
Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This is in line with updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024 Guidance. Safeguarding training is a fundamental part of every role. All colleagues are required to complete regular training to ensure they understand and fulfil their responsibilities.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and does require a Disclosure Barring Scheme check. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them.
Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, as all new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £27,477.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- High Wycombe HP11 1TJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Do you drive?
- Are you able to work full-time (40 hours per week), all year round?
- Do you consent to us keeping your application details in our secure talent pool to contact you about suitable roles for up to 12 months. This is optional and won't affect your current application. You can withdraw at any time by emailing [email protected]
- Do you hold a Full & Relevant Level 2 Early Years Qualification? (Health & Social Care is not Full & Relevant)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
