Job Description

Nursery Practitioner - (EYFS 2025 Compliant)Purpose of Role

To provide high-quality care and education for children in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS 2025), safeguarding legislation, and the nursery's policies and procedures. To work collaboratively as part of a team, supporting the development, learning, and wellbeing of all children, ensuring they are safe, secure, respected, and making good progress.

Key Responsibilities1. Safeguarding & Welfare

Ensure children are safeguarded at all times, following the nursery's safeguarding and child protection policy and the statutory requirements of EYFS 2025. Ensure recruitment complies with EYFS safer recruitment requirements: obtaining and verifying references before staff/volunteers/apprentices begin to work with children. Ensure all staff undertake safeguarding training that meets the criteria described in Annex C of EYFS 2025, with refresher training at least every two years. Maintain and follow a written whistleblowing policy covering all staff, including volunteers and apprentices. Recognise, record, and report any concerns promptly in line with local safeguarding procedures. Maintain confidentiality in all matters, in line with GDPR and nursery policy.
2. Practice & Pedagogy

Deliver high-quality interactions that are warm, responsive, and purposeful. Plan and implement learning opportunities that follow children's interests and developmental levels. Use observations and assessments to identify children's next steps and share progress regularly with parents/carers. Promote inclusive practice to ensure children with SEND, EAL, and different backgrounds or needs have equal access.
3. Partnership with Families & Colleagues

Build positive relationships with families, respecting their role as first educators. Communicate clearly and regularly with parents/carers. Work together with colleagues and external professionals (SEND specialists, health visitors, speech and language therapists).
4. Health, Safety & Wellbeing

Ensure a safe, secure, stimulating environment and complete daily risk assessments. Maintain at least two emergency contact details for each child, follow up unexplained absences, and monitor attendance patterns. Ensure only staff with valid Paediatric First Aid (PFA) training count in staffing ratios, and verify accreditation. Supervise children during meals/snacks, manage allergies and choking risks, and implement safe eating practices. Ensure toileting/intimate care maintains privacy and dignity while ensuring supervision and safety.
5. Professional Development & Quality Improvement

Engage in supervision, appraisal, and peer observations to reflect on practice. Undertake CPD to stay up-to-date with EYFS 2025, safeguarding, SEND, and health & safety. Contribute to continuous improvement and regulatory compliance.
Person Specification

Childcare qualification Level 2/3 or equivalent (or working towards) Knowledge of EYFS 2025 requirements (safer recruitment, attendance, safeguarding) Understanding of safeguarding practice, whistleblowing, and recognising signs of harm/neglect Knowledge of SEND and inclusion practice Excellent communication skills with children, parents, and colleagues Reliable, flexible, team-focused Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: Up to 26,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person