Go back Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Early Years Practitioner
Closing date is 25 May 2026
Are you passionate about nurturing young minds and creating a fun, safe and inclusive environment for children?
Rainbow Day Nursery is looking for dedicated Early Years Practitioners to join our warm, supportive team, caring for children aged 3 months to 5 years.
Due to service growth and staffing changes, we have a range of full‑time and part‑time opportunities available. You will work collaboratively within a large, motivated team to deliver high‑quality care and learning experiences. Depending on service needs, you may be based in a specific age group or work flexibly across the nursery.
We have either full‑time and part‑time permanent positions or one fixed‑term contract with an end date of January 2027.
Main duties of the job
* Support children aged 3 months to 5 years through engaging, play‑based learning experiences
* Foster a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child feels safe, valued and supported
* Assist with daily routines including meals, snacks, rest times and personal care
* Support children's learning and development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
* Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain high standards of care and practice
* Act as a key person for children where required, supporting their individual needs and development
* Work flexibly across rooms when needed to support staffing ratios, annual leave and service demands
About us
Rainbow Day Nursery is the workplace nursery for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, based at the Annexe site near Torbay Hospital. The nursery is a purpose‑built, spacious and airy setting caring for up to 54 children per day.
We have three bright, well‑equipped playrooms tailored to different age groups (0‑2 years, 2‑3 years and 3‑4 years), all with access to a large, secure outdoor garden.
You will be part of a valued and well‑established nursery team within the NHS, working closely with colleagues and benefiting from strong organisational support. We place high importance on work‑life balance, professional development and staff wellbeing.
The nursery is open Monday to Friday, 6:45 am – 18:00 pm, 52 weeks of the year, and is closed on weekends and bank holidays. Shift patterns vary within these hours, and we are happy to discuss working days and patterns with suitable candidates.
Job responsibilities
* Hold a Level 3 recognised Early Years qualification in line with Government guidance
* Demonstrate sound knowledge of EYFS, child development and safeguarding
* Maintain a high standard of professional practice at all times
* Build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues
* Work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly
* Support the nursery's values of being caring, inclusive and focused on quality
* Work flexibly across the setting to meet the needs of the service
Our people are caring, committed and focused on delivering high‑quality care. If you share our values and are passionate about making a difference in children's lives, you could be a real asset to our team.
For more information around the job role responsibilities and entry criteria, please refer to the combined job description and person specification. Please note as part of the recruitment process, candidates will be expected to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and enrol onto the DBS Update Service within 30 days of the certificate being issued.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* NVQ3 Early Years Care and Education or equivalent Childcare Qualification
* First Aid
Knowledge and Experience
* Sound knowledge of the needs of children from 0–5 years
* Proven relevant experience of working with children from 0‑5 years in a group setting.
* To work in partnership with parents and colleagues
* Sound knowledge of safeguarding procedures
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
£25,760 to £27,476 a year per annum pro rata
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