Job Description: Level 3 Early Years Practitioner – Tots Room (1–2 Years)
Location: Nature's Little Learners, Hornbeam Park Reports to: Room Leader / Nursery Manager Contract Type: Full-time
Role Purpose
The Level 3 Early Years Practitioner will play a key role in providing high-quality care and education for children aged 1–2 years in the Tots Room. The role focuses on being a warm, nurturing, and consistent presence for very young children, supporting their routines, comfort, safety, and early development in line with the EYFS. Practitioners will build secure attachments with key children and their families, helping them to feel safe, happy, and confident in the nursery environment.
Main Duties and Responsibilities1. Safeguarding
* Complete all mandatory safeguarding training as required.
* Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, following nursery policies and procedures.
* Be vigilant in protecting children from harm and report concerns immediately.
* Ensure all safeguarding, welfare, and health and safety policies are consistently followed.
2. Caring for Children
* Provide warm, responsive, and nurturing care that supports children's emotional well-being and secure attachments.
* Undertake key person responsibilities, including settling-in sessions, building strong relationships, and understanding children's routines.
* Plan and deliver age-appropriate activities that encourage early communication, sensory exploration, and physical development.
* Support children with feeding, toileting, and personal care in a gentle and respectful way.
* Follow individual care plans, sleep routines, and dietary requirements.
* Create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment that encourages curiosity and exploration.
3. Parents and Carers
* Build trusting relationships with parents and carers through daily handovers and regular communication.
* Work in partnership with families to support children's routines, development, and well-being.
* Provide feedback on progress, routines, and milestones, and respond sensitively to concerns or questions.
4. Teamwork
* Work as part of a close-knit team to provide consistent care and learning opportunities.
* Support colleagues in maintaining a calm, welcoming, and positive atmosphere in the room.
* Share observations, ideas, and reflections with the team to improve practice.
* Respect and value colleagues, parents, and children, contributing to an inclusive and supportive environment.
5. Positive Relationships
* Be a caring and reliable role model for young children.
* Provide comfort and reassurance, responding sensitively to children's needs and emotions.
* Encourage positive interactions and support early social development.
* Promote the ethos of Nature's Little Learners in daily practice.
6. Policies and Procedures
* Follow nursery policies at all times, including health and safety, confidentiality, and safeguarding.
* Carry out daily checks to ensure the environment, resources, and equipment are safe and clean.
* Contribute to risk assessments and maintain awareness of hazards.
* Support the nursery in meeting EYFS and Ofsted standards.
7. Observations and Assessment
* Observe and record children's progress using the Famly app.
* Keep key children's "next steps" updated, supporting their early milestones.
* Share developmental updates with parents and contribute to progress checks.
* Ensure assessments are accurate, timely, and focused on the individual child
8. General Duties
* Support daily routines including meals, nappy changing, toileting, and sleep times.
* Maintain daily records such as registers, accident forms, and Famly entries.
* Ensure resources are well-maintained, clean, and appropriate for 1–2-year-olds.
* Engage in play and learning with enthusiasm, encouraging exploration and curiosity.
* Attend staff meetings, training, and CPD opportunities to develop professional skills.
* Be flexible and willing to support other areas of the nursery when needed.
Person Specification
Essential:
* Level 3 Early Years qualification
* Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
* Experience working with babies and/or toddlers in an early years setting.
* Kind, patient, and nurturing nature with a genuine love of working with young children.
* Good communication skills with colleagues and families.
* Ability to work well as part of a team.
* Reliable and responsible, ensuring children's needs come first.
Desirable:
* Paediatric First Aid certificate.
* Experience using the Famly app or similar systems.
* Knowledge of the EYFS specific to under 2s.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £34,580.00 per year
Benefits:
* Bereavement leave
* Employee discount
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person