At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide relief cover for nursery staff, working with children aged 0-5 years.
- Company: Join Childbase Partnership, a 100% employee-owned company dedicated to childcare excellence since 1989.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, tax-free dividends, retail discounts, and well-being support.
- Why this job: Be part of a caring team that values your voice and offers growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Must have a level 2 or above early years qualification; passion for childcare is essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; work across 44 nurseries and choose hours that suit you.
Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary. At Childbase Partnership we have been delivering childcare excellence since 1989. Our mission is to give children the best possible start in life and instil a lifelong passion for learning. Across all 44-day nurseries, Head Office, and our Training Academy of Excellence, our dedicated colleagues work together to create a lasting, positive impact in our local communities.
We are determined to be excellent and constantly strive for the best outcomes, not only for the children in our care but for every colleague too.
What makes us special?
- We are 100% employee-owned – which means we are all partners, we all have a meaningful voice, and we own our future (this includes sharing profits too, totally tax-free).
- ‘Number 1’ - we have earned the top spot in the prestigious Nursery World league tables for our Ofsted outcomes, all thanks to our extraordinary colleagues.
- Record-breaking Green Flag achievements, and climate-positive status - we save more CO2 than we create.
- Planting in excess of 2,000 trees in the Eden Restoration project.
- Over £3.5 million raised for charity.
At Childbase Partnership, our ethos is simple; we all belong, we all matter, and we all contribute so we all benefit. Our core values foster happiness, confidence, and growth, with a ‘careers not jobs’ approach, shaping the future of our extraordinary company together.
Own your future and join us as a Qualified Relief Nursery Practitioner at our Highbury Lodge Day Nursery in Hitchin. In this support role you will provide relief cover for team holiday, training and other staff leave. You will have the opportunity to work with all age groups (0-5 years) across the nursery. Some shifts will be offered to you in advance, while others may become available at short notice.
The flexible nature of this 0-hour role allows you to choose shifts that suit your availability. If you are offered a relief shift on a day when you have prior commitments, you are welcome to decline the shift. Additionally, if you are interested, you can work across any of our other 43 nurseries in a relief capacity.
As relief cover requirements change from week-to-week, we are seeking new relief team members who can work varied shifts between the hours of 07:30am-18:30pm, ideally on at least two days each week.
Join us and benefit from:
- A competitive salary: £12.42-£13.77 per hour (based on experience and qualifications).
- Exclusive rewards: Tax-free Partnership dividends, qualification reward payments, long-service bonuses, retail discounts, and family fun days with free tickets to UK attractions.
- Well-being support: Mental Health First Aiders, two free meals a day in the nursery, occupational health support, and a free will-writing service.
- Growth opportunities: Team inset training days, professional development support, online courses, and apprenticeships through our Training Academy of Excellence.
Your knowledge, skills and character qualities make you the perfect Qualified Relief Nursery Practitioner. You are:
- Passionate about making learning fun; your childcare experience enables you to inspire young children to reach their full potential.
- Naturally nurturing; you care about others and their well-being and the children in your care feel happy and safe.
- An advocate for partnership working; you thrive as part of a team environment, and you enjoy building meaningful and respectful relationships with others.
A full and relevant early years qualification at level 2 or above is essential for this role. If you are not early years qualified, we may have an alternative role available to suit you.
To apply, you must be aged 17 or over (to comply with Ofsted rules), currently reside in the UK and hold suitable Right To Work in the UK. We are sorry, VISA sponsorship is not available at present. Before commencing in your new role, you will be required to provide Right To Work documentation and any relevant qualifications. An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references must also be obtained for you.
Rest assured our Recruitment Team are on hand to support and guide you through every step of the process.
Qualified Relief Nursery Practitioner - Hitchin employer: Childbase Partnership
Contact Detail:
Childbase Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Relief Nursery Practitioner - Hitchin
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Childbase Partnership's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to childcare excellence and employee ownership will help you align your responses during any interviews or conversations with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your flexibility and availability when applying. Since this role requires working varied shifts, emphasising your willingness to adapt and cover shifts on short notice can make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for early years education. Be prepared to discuss specific experiences where you've inspired children or contributed to their learning, as this aligns with the role's focus on making learning fun.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current employees or join relevant online forums. Engaging with those already in the organisation can provide insights into the culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Relief Nursery Practitioner - Hitchin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Qualified Relief Nursery Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the age groups you'll be working with and the flexible nature of the role.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant childcare experience and qualifications in your CV. Emphasise any specific skills that align with the job description, such as nurturing qualities and teamwork abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for early years education. Mention why you want to work at Childbase Partnership and how your values align with their mission of providing excellent childcare.
Prepare for the Application Process: Gather all necessary documents, including your Right To Work documentation and relevant qualifications. Ensure you have references ready, as an enhanced DBS check will be required before starting the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've made learning fun in your previous roles, as this aligns perfectly with the ethos of Childbase Partnership.
✨Demonstrate Nurturing Qualities
Highlight your naturally nurturing character by discussing how you ensure children feel safe and happy in your care. Use anecdotes that showcase your ability to connect with children and support their well-being.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Since the role requires partnership working, be prepared to discuss your experiences in team environments. Talk about how you build meaningful relationships with colleagues and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
✨Be Flexible and Open-Minded
Given the nature of relief work, it's important to convey your flexibility regarding shifts. Mention your willingness to adapt to changing schedules and your readiness to work across different nurseries when needed.