Nursery Practitioner – Join Our Team
Are you looking for an exciting new opportunity in Early Years? Come and visit our wonderful nursery – we'd love to meet you
At Shenfield Day Nursery, we are incredibly proud of our dedicated team of practitioners, many of whom have been with us for over five years. We have a warm, supportive team environment and are now looking for a passionate Nursery Practitioner to join us.
If you have a love for Early Years, enthusiasm for learning through play, and don't mind getting muddy making pies or singing your heart out all day, then this could be the perfect role for you
Shenfield Day Nursery is a special kind of nursery with children at the heart of everything we do. All of our little ones enjoy ad hoc visits into the community; a rich extra-curricular programme; diverse and creative heuristic play, along with a highly nutritious nursery menu.
We also believe that our staff deserve just as much care and attention as our children. That's why we offer a healthy work/life balance, a friendly open-door management style, and an excellent staff wellbeing and benefits package.
Our inspiring Nursery Manager and Deputies lead with passion and dedication, and we are fully committed to supporting the ongoing professional development of every member of our team.
Role Responsibilities
* Support children's learning and development in line with the EYFS
* Provide high-quality care in a stimulating and safe environment
* Plan and deliver engaging activities that encourage children's growth
* Safeguard children's well-being at all times
* Build strong, positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues
* Work collaboratively as part of a fun and inclusive team
* Record and monitor children's progress, sharing updates with senior staff
Requirements
* Level 2 or Level 3 Childcare qualification (or equivalent)
* Previous experience in a Nursery setting
* Knowledge of the EYFS framework
* A caring, patient, and creative approach to working with children
* A team player with a commitment to ongoing professional development
Schedule
* Day shift, Monday to Friday
* Full-time or part-time available
Staff Benefits
We are proud to offer an excellent staff benefits package, including:
* In-house training & access to further courses
* Continuing Professional Development opportunities
* Career progression pathways
* Discounted childcare fees (subject to availability)
* Complimentary staff events & restaurant vouchers
* Annual Staff Awards Ceremony
* Team-building activities
* Staff Wellbeing Programme
* Annual staff questionnaires with feedback acted upon
* Regular staff presentations to involve you in our development plans
* Friendly, approachable management with an open-door policy
Person Specification – Nursery Practitioner
Essential Criteria
* Qualifications:
* Level 2 or Level 3 Childcare qualification (or equivalent)
* Experience & Knowledge:
* Experience of working with young children in a Nursery/early years setting
* Sound knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
* Understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities
* Awareness of health & safety requirements in an early years environment
* Skills & Abilities:
* Ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate stimulating activities for young children
* Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
* Ability to work effectively as part of a team
* Good organisational skills with the ability to maintain accurate records
* Creativity, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for working with children
* Ability to build positive and supportive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues
* Personal Qualities:
* Warm, caring, and approachable manner
* Reliable, punctual, and flexible
* Commitment to continuous professional development
* Positive attitude and proactive approach to work
* Resilient, with the ability to stay calm under pressure
Desirable Criteria
* Paediatric First Aid certificate
* Additional training in areas such as SEN, behaviour management, or speech and language
* Experience working with children with additional needs
* Knowledge of current early years initiatives and best practice
Safeguarding Commitment
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care. As part of this commitment, all applicants will be subject to vetting and safeguarding procedures prior to appointment. This includes, but is not limited to, enhanced DBS checks, verification of qualifications, reference checks, and confirmation of identity.
The role also carries specific safeguarding responsibilities, as outlined in the job description and person specification, and the successful candidate will be expected to uphold and actively promote these at all times.
All shortlisted candidates will receive a job description, a person specification, an equal opportunities monitoring form, and a request for identification prior to an interview.
For a preview of our wonderful nursery, please visit our Facebook page or website.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Benefits:
* Childcare
* Company events
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £25,000.00-£31,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Employee discount
Education:
* Certificate of Higher Education (preferred)
Experience:
* Nursery : 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person