Join one of the UK's most respected nurseries in a world-leading university setting.
The UCL Day Nursery is a well-established, inclusive and nurturing setting located in the heart of UCL's historic Bloomsbury campus. Rated 'Good with Outstanding Features' by Ofsted, we provide high-quality care and early education for the children of UCL staff and students. We're now looking for passionate and professional
Early Years Practitioners
to join our team.
About the role
------------------
What You'll Do
As an Early Years Practitioner, you'll play a key role in providing a safe, caring and stimulating environment for children aged 0-5. You will:
Act as a
Key Worker
to a group of children, planning and observing learning through play
Deliver engaging, child-led activities aligned with the
EYFS framework
Build strong, respectful partnerships with parents and carers
Promote a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where every child can thrive
Support nursery routines, meal times, outdoor play, and learning across both nursery sites
About you
-------------
? What You Bring
We're looking for someone who is energetic, compassionate and committed to delivering exceptional care and education. You'll need:
A
Level 3 qualification in Early Years and Education
(NNEB/NVQ or equivalent)
Proven experience in a nursery setting working with children 0-5
A thorough understanding of
EYFS
, child development and safeguarding practices
Strong communication and organisational skills
A flexible and collaborative mindset
Experience with Forest School or Reggio Emilia approaches, and confidence with Ofsted standards, are desirable but not essential.
The working pattern for this role will be Monday - Friday, either 8.30-16.30 or 9.30 - 17.30, with a longer day on Thursdays to allow for all-staff meetings.
For the right candidate we are open to flexible working requests for this role.; compressed hours, part-time, part year, term time, etc. We encourage you to discuss your flexible working needs during the interview process.
Term dates would be...
? Term Dates 2025-2026
Autumn Term
Term dates:
Monday 1 September - Friday 19 December 2025
Half-term break:
Monday 27 October - Friday 31 October 2025
Christmas break:
Monday 22 December 2025 - Friday 2 January 2026
Spring Term
Term dates:
Monday 5 January - Friday 27 March 2026
Half-term break:
Monday 16 February - Friday 20 February 2026
Easter/Spring holiday:
Monday 30 March - Friday 10 April 2026 (Good Friday 3 April, Easter Monday 6 April)
Summer Term
Term dates:
Monday 13 April - Monday 20 July 2026
May Day (Bank Holiday):
Monday 4 May 2026
Half-term break:
Monday 25 May - Friday 29 May 2026 (Spring Bank Holiday Monday 25 May)
Why Join Us?
Be part of the
UCL community
- one of the world's top universities
Access
training and professional development
to support your growth
Work in a diverse, vibrant and inclusive setting that values your contribution
Contribute to a team that prioritises
the wellbeing and happiness of every child
What we offer
-----------------
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
41 Days holiday: 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days (pro rata for part time staff)
Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme (pro rata for part time staff)
Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
Immigration loan
Relocation scheme for certain posts
On-Site nursery
On-site gym
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce.
These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Our faculty holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
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