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- Tasks: Engage with children through fun activities and ensure their safety and development.
- Company: Join Bright Horizons, a top-rated nursery chain committed to child welfare and staff support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 50% childcare discount, up to 33 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team in a vibrant environment that values honesty, excellence, and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience working with children.
- Other info: Paid volunteer day annually and opportunities for career development within a leading nursery network.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 25400 £ per year.
We are looking for a part-time, Level 3 qualified Practitioner to join our Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool, situated in Dartford, Kent, working Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. This nursery offers an up-and-coming forest school with a large outside space as well as a long-serving, diverse, supportive staff team. This nursery also has an onsite car park for staff and parents.
What we can offer you:
- Above industry standard salary, with annual salary reviews
- Discounted childcare of 50% for the first child
- Up to 33 days holiday per year, with the option to buy additional days
- Smart Health access, including 24/7 access to Virtual GP appointments, fitness programmes, and mental health support
- Financial support through early access to wages, low-interest debt consolidation loans, and a wide variety of discounts across high street brands, travel, utilities, and days out
- Development programme access for every stage of your career, tailored to your individual journey, with opportunities across our network of nurseries
- Access to our Future Leaders programme, preparing you to step into a Room Leader position
- Employee Appreciation throughout the year including our annual Awards of Excellence gala
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working
Why Bright Horizons?
We are driven by our HEART values (Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork). If your values align, you’d be a great fit to join one of our 300 nurseries across the UK. We’ve also been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, achieving Great Place for Wellbeing and Great Place for Women.
Did you know, Bright Horizons Foundation for Children charity has been established since 2005, supporting the lives of thousands of children and families in crisis across almost 100 locations? Each Bright Horizons colleague is entitled to a paid volunteer day every year!
What you’ll be doing:
- Plan, create, implement, and reflect on engaging activities, tailored to each of your key children, to encourage their development towards key milestones.
- Develop and maintain strong parent/carer partnerships
- Promote and ensure child welfare, protection, health, safety, and safeguarding
- Work with colleagues to maintain a positive, happy, and safe environment
What we’re looking for:
- Full and Relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification (essential)
- Previous experience working with children (ideally as a Nursery Nurse, Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Educator, or similar)
- Passion for making learning fun and engaging for each child
- Ability to build trust and strong working relationships with both colleagues and parents
- Ability to use a variety of communication techniques with both children and adults
- Strong knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, Child Protection, and the wider legislative requirements for working with children
Bright Horizons is committed to creating inclusive environments where everyone has a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to contribute and thrive in meaningful and impactful ways. We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector, all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS. We look forward to receiving your application!
If you experience any problems, please email europe.recruitment@brighthorizons.com and we will be happy to help.
Contact Detail:
Bright Horizons UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Bright Horizons' HEART values. During your interactions, whether in interviews or networking, highlight how your personal values align with theirs. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the local community and parents by attending events or workshops related to early years education. This demonstrates your commitment to child development and helps you build connections that could be beneficial when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for making learning fun by preparing a few creative activity ideas tailored for young children. Being able to discuss these during an interview can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the specific nursery environment at Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge. Understanding their unique offerings, like the forest school, will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate genuine interest in their approach to early years education.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Early Years Practitioner position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children, particularly in a nursery or educational setting. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in planning engaging activities and building relationships with parents and colleagues.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to clearly state your Level 3 qualification or above in Early Years education. If you have additional certifications or training related to child welfare, safeguarding, or health and safety, include those as well.
Express Your Passion: In your cover letter, convey your enthusiasm for working with children and your commitment to creating a fun and engaging learning environment. Mention how your values align with Bright Horizons' HEART values to show you would be a great cultural fit.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bright Horizons UK
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've made learning fun and engaging in your previous roles, as this aligns with the nursery's values.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Safeguarding
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding and child protection. Highlight any relevant training or experiences that showcase your commitment to ensuring children's welfare and safety.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations with children or parents. Think about past experiences where you successfully built relationships or resolved conflicts, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Align with Their HEART Values
Familiarise yourself with Bright Horizons' HEART values: Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork. Be ready to provide examples of how you embody these values in your work, as they are crucial to the nursery's culture.
