Early Years Practitioner

Early Years Practitioner

Watford Full-Time 27232 - 28274 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Engage children with fun activities and ensure their safety and development.
  • Company: Join Bright Horizons, a leading nursery group caring for over 25,000 children across the UK.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 50% childcare discount, up to 33 days holiday, and wellness support.
  • Why this job: Be part of a supportive team in a vibrant environment, making a real impact on children's lives.
  • Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience working with children.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for career progression through our Future Leaders Programme.

The predicted salary is between 27232 - 28274 £ per year.

We are looking for a Full Time, Level 3 qualified Practitioner to join our Bright Horizons Watford Day Nursery situated in Watford. Our amazing Watford Day Nursery and Preschool is a stunning 92-place setting, proudly rated Good by Ofsted. It features well-resourced rooms and a great outdoor garden featuring building blocks, balance beams, and much more, for plenty of outdoor teaching and learning! We are based close to the Watford town centre and have great public transport links!

What we can offer you:

  • Above industry standard salary, with annual salary reviews
  • Discounted childcare of 50% for first child (T&C Apply)
  • 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
  • Huge variety of discounts across high street brands, utilities, and days out
  • Financial support through early access to wages, low interest debt consolidation loans, and more
  • Refer a Friend Bonus, including New York Trip for 2 prize draw entry
  • Access to a wide selection of training programmes, supporting your individual career path, with career development opportunities across our network of nurseries
  • Employee Appreciation through our quarterly recognition weeks and annual Awards of Excellence galas
  • Happy to Talk Flexible Working

If you are interested in actively developing your leadership skills to support your progression to Room Leader / Third in Charge, ask our Talent Acquisition Team about joining our 12-month Future Leaders Programme!

What you’ll be doing:

  • Plan, create, and implement engaging activities, tailored to each of your key children, to encourage their development towards key milestones.
  • Observing, tracking, and reflecting on learning
  • Develop and maintain strong parent/carer partnerships
  • Promote and ensure child welfare, protection, health, and safety and safeguarding procedures and policies are followed at all times
  • Work with colleagues to maintain a positive, happy, and safe environment on a day-to-day basis

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, Nursery Assistant, 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 techniques to clearly and successfully communicate with both children and adults
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, Child Protection, and the wider legislative requirements for working with children

Bright Horizons are 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. If you share our passion, values, and have most of the skills listed, we encourage you to apply – as you may be just what we’re looking for!

Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS. Some of our roles require specific qualifications by law, this will be highlighted as essential within the advert. 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.

Early Years Practitioner employer: Bright Horizons UK

Bright Horizons Watford Day Nursery offers an exceptional work environment for Early Years Practitioners, featuring a supportive culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and access to extensive training programmes, employees are encouraged to develop their skills and advance their careers. Located in the heart of Watford, our nursery provides a vibrant setting with excellent transport links, making it an ideal place for those passionate about nurturing young minds.
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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 the specific values and mission of Bright Horizons. Understanding their commitment to creating inclusive environments and supporting children's development will help you align your responses during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare examples from your previous experience that demonstrate your ability to create engaging activities for children. Highlight how these activities supported their development and how you tracked their progress.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your communication skills by preparing to discuss how you've built strong relationships with parents and colleagues in past roles. This is crucial for fostering a positive environment in the nursery.

✨Tip Number 4

Research current safeguarding practices and child protection legislation. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only impress during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to child welfare.

We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner

Level 3 Early Years Qualification
Experience with Children
Activity Planning and Implementation
Observation and Assessment Skills
Strong Communication Skills
Parent/Carer Partnership Development
Child Welfare and Safeguarding Knowledge
Teamwork and Collaboration
Creativity in Learning Approaches
Understanding of Child Development Milestones
Ability to Build Trusting Relationships
Knowledge of Health and Safety Procedures
Adaptability and Flexibility
Passion for Early Childhood Education

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your Level 3 Early Years qualification and any relevant experience working with children. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to create engaging activities and build strong relationships with both children and parents.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for early years education. Mention why you want to work at Bright Horizons specifically, and how your values align with theirs. Include details about your approach to child welfare and safety.

Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your knowledge of safeguarding and child protection policies. Highlight any techniques you use to communicate effectively with children and adults, as these are crucial for the role.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is essential in a childcare setting.

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 what Bright Horizons values.

✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Safeguarding

Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding and child protection policies. Highlight any relevant training or experiences that showcase your commitment to ensuring children's safety and well-being.

✨Prepare Engaging Activity Ideas

Think of a few creative activity ideas that you could implement in the nursery. Presenting these during the interview will show your proactive approach and ability to tailor activities to children's developmental milestones.

✨Build Rapport with Interviewers

Establish a connection with your interviewers by being friendly and approachable. Use active listening skills and engage in conversation about their experiences at Bright Horizons to demonstrate your interest in the company culture.

Early Years Practitioner
Bright Horizons UK
Location: Watford
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