Job Description

Childcare Practitioner at Woodland House in the 'Rosa Room' - our 0-2 baby room.

Location: Copeland, John de Bois Hill, Ardleigh, CO7 7PJ

Hours: 4-day working week (Full-Time)

Salary: Competitive and based on experience

We have opened a brand-new nursery in Colchester - and you're invited to help shape it!

Following the success of our flagship setting Butterfly Barns, we're thrilled to be expanding with the launch of our sister nursery, Woodland Barn, that opened on the 1st of September in Colchester. Nestled within expansive gardens, this beautiful converted house will become the setting of dreams, complete with a nature learning barn, dedicated outdoor exploration areas, and a calm, cosy library and self-regulation hub for children to thrive. We are looking for dedicated, passionate practitioners to support our littlest learners in the baby room, alongside our full time set team.

Our Ethos:

Staff Wellbeing is Key: We believe that happy, supported staff create the happiest and most nurturing environments for children. That's why we prioritise staff wellbeing, creating a team-first culture with regular support, celebrations, and rewards.

A Home-from-Home Feel: We maintain a strong family ethos where everyone feels like part of the Woodland House family, nurturing both our children and our team in a loving, caring environment.

Celebrating Individuality: We focus on the strengths, passions, and interests of everyone - both children and staff - ensuring that all feel valued and empowered.

A Natural, Outdoor Learning Environment: Our curriculum emphasises outdoor learning and connecting with nature. Children thrive by learning through play in a natural setting where they are encouraged to take managed risks, develop resilience, and build self-belief.

An Inclusive Environment: We believe in creating a fully inclusive environment that supports all children, regardless of their differences or challenges. Our approach is grounded in the SEND Code of Practice, which states that "every child, regardless of their background or ability, should have access to the best possible early years education and care, ensuring they are supported to reach their full potential." We are committed to providing the best possible early years' experience for every child, ensuring that each one has the opportunity to thrive & grow.

The Role:

We're looking for a passionate and dedicated Childcare Practitioner to join our team. You will be part of a supportive, caring, and hardworking group, committed to providing high-quality care, supporting children's development, and embracing our ethos. This role will be based in our 0-2 room.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

Delivering high-quality care in line with our ethos of positive reinforcement, love, and respect.

Supporting children's personal, social, and emotional development, helping them grow into strong, resilient, and happy individuals.

Engaging children in the curriculum, particularly our daily affirmations: "I am strong, I am smart, I am loved".

Promoting a positive, inclusive environment that celebrates every child's uniqueness and ensures that they feel valued and supported.

What We're Looking For:

We want someone who is positive, enthusiastic, and resilient. You'll be someone who genuinely loves and cares for children, always striving to provide the best possible care and support. At Woodland House, we're looking for individuals who feel proud of the care they provide and the environment they work in.

As a practitioner, we want you to be:

Positive and enthusiastic, bringing energy and joy to the nursery and creating an environment where children feel motivated and excited to learn.

Resilient, able to adapt to challenges with a calm and positive approach, and always ready to learn and grow in your role.

Compassionate, with a genuine love and care for the children you work with, nurturing their emotional, social, and developmental needs.

Someone who takes pride in their work and the space they create for children, ensuring that our nursery is a place of safety, happiness, and positivity.

Inclusive, with a deep belief that every child should be given the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background or challenges.

Ready to join our Woodland House family - a team that supports, celebrates, and uplifts one another.

What We Offer:

4-day working week, with rotas set a month in advance - giving you time for a healthy work-life balance.

Flexible time off to support your needs, alongside regular supervisions for professional development and feedback.

Monthly team meetings with pay for attending.

Regular social events and birthday celebrations - we believe in making every team member feel valued.

Extended lunch breaks every other month, allowing the team to spend quality time together and recharge.

Wellbeing Week, with a week of gifts, treats, and surprises, dedicated to celebrating our staff and showing how much they mean to us.

Join Our Team

At Woodland House, we believe that a Happy Team = Happy Children = Happy Families. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels supported, celebrated, and able to thrive. If you're ready to be part of something special, where staff wellbeing and a positive atmosphere are at the heart of everything we do, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply, send your CV and cover letter to Siobhan at:
manager@woodland-house.co.uk

Together, we nurture strong, smart, and loved children.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 12.21-12.80 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount On-site parking
Work Location: In person