To provide high-quality, inclusive care and education for all children attending the nursery, working as part of a team to ensure a safe, stimulating, and enabling environment. The Level 3 Nursery Practitioner will be responsible for planning and delivering engaging activities, observing and assessing children's development, and maintaining strong partnerships with parents/carers.
Key Responsibilities:
Childcare and Education:
To act as a key person for a group of children, building strong relationships with them and their families.
To plan, prepare, and deliver a diverse range of stimulating and age-appropriate activities and experiences, both indoors and outdoors, that support children's learning and development across all areas of the EYFS.
To observe, assess, and record children's progress and achievements, using these observations to inform future planning and identify any additional support needs.
To maintain accurate and up-to-date records for key children, including learning journeys and progress reports.
To ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children in your care at all times, adhering to all nursery policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, and equal opportunities.
To promote positive behaviour among children through consistent boundaries, effective communication, and positive reinforcement.
To support children with personal care routines, including toileting, nappy changing, and meal times, promoting independence where appropriate.
To administer medication as per nursery policy and individual care plans, following appropriate training.
To provide a warm, nurturing, and secure environment where children feel valued and happy.
Teamwork and Communication:
To work collaboratively as part of a dedicated team, supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive working atmosphere.
To communicate effectively and professionally with parents/carers, providing regular updates on their child's progress and addressing any concerns.
To participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and supervisory meetings as required.
To contribute to the continuous improvement of the nursery by sharing ideas and feedback.
To liaise with external professionals (e.g., SENCO, health visitors) as necessary, with the permission of parents/carers and the Nursery Manager.
Safeguarding and Policies:
To have a thorough understanding of and commitment to the nursery's safeguarding policies and procedures, reporting any concerns promptly and appropriately.
To adhere to all nursery policies and procedures, including those relating to health and safety, confidentiality, and data protection.
To maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding all children, families, and staff.
Professional Development:
To engage in continuous professional development (CPD) by attending training courses, workshops, and keeping up-to-date with current early years best practice and legislation.
To be reflective in your practice and open to feedback and new ideas.
Other:
To undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Nursery Manager or Room Leader.
Person Specification
This section outlines the essential and desirable qualifications, experience, skills, and personal attributes required for the role.
Qualifications:
Essential:
Full and relevant Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education and Childcare (e.g., Cache Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education, NNEB, NVQ Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development).
Desirable:
Paediatric First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain immediately upon appointment). Safeguarding training (refreshed within the last 12 months).
Experience:
Essential:
Minimum of [e.g., 1-2 years] post-qualification experience working in an early years setting (e.g., nursery, pre-school).
Essential:
Experience of working as a key person.
Essential:
Experience of planning, observing, and assessing children's development within the EYFS framework.
Desirable:
Experience of working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Desirable:
Experience of contributing to OFSTED inspections.
Knowledge and Skills:
Essential:
In-depth knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework.
Essential:
Strong understanding of child development across all age ranges within the nursery.
Essential:
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with children, parents/carers, and colleagues.
Essential:
Ability to plan and implement stimulating and age-appropriate activities.
Essential:
Ability to observe, assess, and record children's progress accurately.
Essential:
Sound knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
Essential:
Awareness of health and safety regulations in an early years setting.
Essential:
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required.
Essential:
Good organisational and time management skills.
Essential:
Basic IT skills (e.g., for recording observations, communication).
Desirable:
Knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance, e.g., Ofsted requirements.
Personal Attributes:
Essential:
Genuine passion for working with young children and a commitment to their well-being and development.
Essential:
Warm, caring, nurturing, and patient demeanour.
Essential:
Enthusiastic, creative, and imaginative.
Essential:
Reliable, punctual, and professional.
Essential:
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Essential:
Adaptable and flexible to meet the needs of the nursery.
Essential:
Resilient and able to work effectively under pressure.
Essential:
A positive attitude and a good sense of humour.
Essential:
Commitment to continuous professional development.
Other Requirements:
Essential:
All successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Essential:
Provide two satisfactory references, one of which must be from a previous employer in an early years setting.
Essential:
Right to work in the UK.
Application Process:
To apply for this position, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to littlerainbowsacademy1@gmail.com
Closing Date:
31st August 2025
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: 19,047.00-26,900.12 per hour
Expected hours: 30 - 40 per week
Benefits:
Bereavement leave
Childcare
Employee discount
Free parking
On-site parking
Work Location: In person