About the role
Our Nursery Educators are vital in ensuring the smooth running of the nursery, and provide the highest standards of physical, social, emotional, and intellectual care for all of the children at the facility, while ensuring the standard of care and education delivered meets legislative requirements of Ofsted and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
In this role, you will act as a key worker for a small group of children with the responsibility to work in partnership with parents/carers encouraging them to participate in their child’s development. You will play an active part in the day to day operations and organisations of the nursery within agreed policies and procedures and provide a safe, caring and stimulating environment within the Day Nursery, promoting good parent/staff relationships within the group. .
As an Early Years Educator, you'll play a key role in providing a safe, caring and stimulating environment for children aged 0–5. You will:
1. Act as a Key Worker to a group of children, planning and observing learning through play
2. Deliver engaging, child-led activities aligned with the EYFS framework
3. Build strong, respectful partnerships with parents and carers
4. Promote a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where every child can thrive
5. Support nursery routines, meal times, outdoor play, and learning across all nursery sites.
Please note, the working pattern for this role will be Monday – Friday, either or –, with a longer day on Thursdays to allow for all-staff meetings.
Please note, this is a part-time fixed term contract for a period of 12-months. We have two roles available and for the right candidate we are open to flexible working requests for this role.; compressed hours, job-share, term time, etc. We encourage you to discuss your flexible working needs during the interview process.
Term dates would be...
🗓️ Current Term Dates –
Spring Term
6. Term dates: Monday 5 January – Friday 27 March
7. Half-term break: Monday 16 February – Friday 20 February
8. Easter/Spring holiday: Monday 30 March – Friday 10 April (Good Friday 3 April, Easter Monday 6 April)
Summer Term
9. Term dates: Monday 13 April – Monday 20 July
10. May Day (Bank Holiday): Monday 4 May
11. Half-term break: Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May (Spring Bank Holiday Monday 25 May)
Job Ref: B28-
Closing Date: 20-04- – 23:59 (UK time)
About you
Applicants will ideally hold a NNEB or NVQ level 3 Early Years and Education or equivalent, and strong experience of providing baby-care in a nursery environment. Candidates who have ample experience working in this field and hold a Level 2 qualification or equivalent may also be considered. A background working with SEN children in a Teaching Assistant/SEN Assistant capacity would be beneficial. Applicants should also have a proactive, imaginative and practical approach to planning and delivering an early years curriculum, excellent communication skills and a commitment to providing the highest level of service to parents and carers. Experience of working with Forest School and knowledge of Reggio Emillio concept is desirable, but not essential.
We’re looking for someone who is energetic, compassionate and committed to delivering exceptional care and education. You’ll need:
12. A Level 3 qualification in Early Years and Education (NNEB/NVQ or equivalent)
13. Proven experience in a nursery setting working with children 0–5
14. A thorough understanding of EYFS, child development and safeguarding practices
15. Strong communication and organisational skills
16. A flexible and collaborative mindset
Experience with Forest School or Reggio Emilia approaches, and confidence with Ofsted standards, are desirable but not essential.
Apply now if you're ready to make a meaningful impact on young lives and thrive in a dynamic university-based nursery, we’d love to hear from you.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
17. 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
18. Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
19. Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
20. On-Site nursery
21. On-site gym
22. Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
23. Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
24. Discounted medical insurance