Job Description

We are currently recruiting for Qualified Practitioners and Early Years Educators on full time or part time contracts and a limited number of Term Time positions are available.

There are roles available at all 6 Nursery Settings, 5 Nurseries in Exeter and 1 Setting in Dawlish.

About us:

Puffins is open 51 weeks of the year including all school holidays. We close for a week at Christmas.

Puffins Childcare is a nurturing and innovative educational institution dedicated to providing exceptional early childhood education. We believe in fostering a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment that supports the growth and development of young minds. If you are passionate about working with young children and creating a positive impact on their formative years, we invite you to join our team as an Early Years Educator.

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As a Practitioner / Early Years Educator at Puffins Childcare, you will play a vital role in nurturing the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children aged from 4 months to 5 Years. You will create a nurturing and stimulating nursery environment, plan and implement age-appropriate activities, and build strong relationships with children and their families. Your responsibilities will include:

Curriculum Implementation: Implement the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum that promotes learning through play and exploration.

Child Development: Observe and assess children's developmental progress, providing individualized support and guidance as needed.

Safety and Well-being: Ensure the safety and well-being of all children in your care, following health and safety guidelines rigorously.

Parent Communication: Maintain open and regular communication with parents, sharing updates on children's progress and addressing any concerns.

Team Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues to create a cohesive and supportive learning environment.

Professional Development: Stay current with best practices in early childhood education through ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications:

Minimum of a Level 2 Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Early Years Educator.

Minimum of 1 year of experience working with young children in a childcare or educational setting.

Knowledge of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Paediatric First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

A clear enhanced DBS check.

Why work for Puffins?

With 6 settings there will always be opportunities for progression to Room Leader, Deputy and Centre Manager for those with the ability and the willingness to develop. Free Uniform. Free DBS. Wellbeing: We provide an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which allows staff to get free confidential advice on many topics including relationships, work issues, bereavement, family issues, stress, financial problems. This service is also available to their families. Pay advances when times are hard. Loans for travel costs. Flexible working patterns. Cycle to work scheme Discount on gym membership Staff suggestion scheme with financial rewards Holiday Entitlement. Currently we offer the statutory 28 days for most roles, rising to 33 days for more senior staff, plus: Extra day holiday after 4 years' service. Birthday day off. After 1 year of service each employee is entitled to an extra day of annual leave to use on or around their birthday. Self Care day - every employee is entitled to an extra day off each year to look after their wellbeing. Pension Scheme. Paid bereavement leave. Discount Scheme. All employees can take advantage of discounts offered through PIB Client Portal which provides discounts on shopping, travel, food, clothing and much more. Childcare Discount 50%. Currently staff can receive a discount of 50% for the non-funded hours that their child attends a Puffins Nursery. Long service awards from 3 years service. Team building events. Social Gatherings.
How to Apply:

If you are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young children and meet the qualifications for this position, we encourage you to apply through Indeed.com.

Puffins Childcare an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and children in our care.

Application Deadline: 29th August 2025

Puffins are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and employing a workforce that reflects the cultural diversity of our society. We expect all staff to share these commitments.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 26,500.00 per year

Benefits:

Childcare Company events Discounted or free food Employee discount
Experience:

Nursery: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

Level 2 Diploma in Childcare / Early Years Education (required) Level 3 Certificate in Childcare / Early Years Education (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 29/06/2025
Reference ID: QUAL 08/25