Early Years Practitioner

Early Years Practitioner

Southampton Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Y

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Engage with children through play, support their development, and create a nurturing environment.
  • Company: YMCA Fairthorne Manor Nursery is dedicated to helping children discover their unique potential.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a £500 joining bonus, 25-30 days holiday, and discounts on nursery fees and activities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a supportive and caring culture.
  • Qualifications: Level 2/3 childcare qualification or relevant experience is preferred; passion for early years education is essential.
  • Other info: Access to professional development modules and opportunities to work in diverse settings.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

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At YMCA Fairthorne Manor Nursery, we believe that everyone should have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become. Our approach to early years education is rooted in the belief that every child is unique, and it’s our privilege to support them on their journey of self-discovery and growth, nurturing futures every step of the way.

Benefits to you:

  • Joining Bonus! Total of £500
  • Refer a Friend Scheme
  • Blue Light Card eligibility
  • 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays FTE, increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days
  • Option to purchase additional leave (up to 10 days per annum)
  • 50% discount on nursery fees
  • Enhanced Maternity
  • Day camps discounts: 1 week free and 1 week at 50% per child per annum
  • Campsite and activities discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor: campsite, river hire, activities, day camps
  • 30% discount on food in Cafes: Fairthorne, Eastleigh and Andover
  • Wellbeing assistance programme
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Good quality resources and a modern environment
  • A welcoming, caring and supportive culture

Key Responsibilities:

  • Promote a nurturing environment whilst engaging with children of all ages and developmental skills, encouraging each child to meet his/her potential by supporting them through learning and play with positive reinforcement and praise.
  • Support children, co-workers and parents alike; deliver stimulating indoor and outdoor activities; complete and record daily observations for children in your care; and plan their next developmental steps in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage.
  • Comply with policies and procedures outlined by the setting.
  • Attend training opportunities for personal and professional development as well as the development of the organisation.
  • Assist in ensuring that the Nursery is a safe environment for children.
  • Embrace the variety of each day, use initiative to keep children engaged and support their emotional needs as they arise.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Level 2/3 childcare qualification or relevant experience is desirable.
  • A commitment to providing high-quality childcare including physical care and hygienic practice for children aged 4 months – 5 years.
  • Have an understanding of the developmental needs of children, Statutory Framework and relevant legislation.
  • Basic knowledge of health and safety.
  • Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding good practice.
  • Paediatric First Aid qualification or willingness to train.

If you’re passionate about early childhood education and ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! Join us in nurturing futures and creating a brighter tomorrow for all. Apply now to start your Early Years career.

The YMCA are huge advocates of personal and professional development. When you work with us, you also benefit from:

  • Access to 26 online professional development modules.
  • Inspiring opportunities to work in different settings and share practice.

Successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are an equal opportunities charity with commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace. A copy of this policy will be made available on request.

Please apply now for this rewarding position and be part of an amazing charity who continues to support and achieve wonderful things within the community.

Please note that if you are NOT a passport holder of the country for the vacancy you might need a work permit. Check our Blog for more information.

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Created on 05/07/2025 by TN United Kingdom

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Early Years Practitioner employer: YMCA England & Wales

At YMCA Fairthorne Manor Nursery, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing and supportive work environment that prioritises the growth and development of our employees. With a strong commitment to personal and professional development, we offer extensive training opportunities, generous holiday allowances, and unique benefits such as discounts on nursery fees and wellbeing assistance programmes. Join us in making a meaningful impact in early childhood education while enjoying a rewarding career in a vibrant community setting.
Y

Contact Detail:

YMCA England & Wales Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Understanding its principles and how they apply to child development will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Engage with the local community and network with other early years practitioners. Attend workshops or events related to early childhood education to build connections and gain insights that could be beneficial in your role.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion for nurturing children's development by sharing personal experiences or stories during your interview. This can help convey your commitment to creating a supportive environment for children.

✨Tip Number 4

Research YMCA Fairthorne Manor Nursery specifically. Understanding their values, culture, and approach to early years education will allow you to tailor your conversation and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner

Child Development Knowledge
Communication Skills
Patience and Empathy
Creativity in Activity Planning
Understanding of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Health and Safety Awareness
Safeguarding Knowledge
Teamwork and Collaboration
Observation and Assessment Skills
First Aid Certification (or willingness to train)
Adaptability and Flexibility
Positive Reinforcement Techniques
Engagement Strategies for Children
Commitment to Professional Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the Early Years Practitioner position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any relevant childcare qualifications or experience you have. Mention specific examples of how you've supported children's development and created a nurturing environment in previous roles.

Show Your Passion: Express your passion for early childhood education in your application. Share why you believe in the importance of nurturing each child's unique potential and how you plan to contribute to their growth at YMCA Fairthorne Manor Nursery.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a childcare setting.

How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA England & Wales

✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children and your commitment to their development. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with children in the past, highlighting your understanding of their unique needs.

✨Familiarise Yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage

Before the interview, brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement its principles in your daily activities and how you can support children's learning and development.

✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills

As an Early Years Practitioner, you'll be working closely with co-workers and parents. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team setting and how you handle communication with parents regarding their child's progress.

✨Prepare Questions About the Nursery's Approach

Show your interest in the nursery by preparing thoughtful questions about their educational philosophy and practices. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if their values align with yours.

Early Years Practitioner
YMCA England & Wales
Y
  • Early Years Practitioner

    Southampton
    Full-Time
    24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-20

  • Y

    YMCA England & Wales

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