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- Tasks: Engage with children through fun activities and ensure their safety and development.
- Company: Join Bright Horizons, a leading nursery group known for its supportive and diverse team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 50% childcare discount, up to 33 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a Great Place to Work, making a real impact on children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience working with children.
- Other info: Paid volunteer day each year and opportunities for career progression within a network of nurseries.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 25500 £ 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!
Early Years Practitioner employer: Bright Horizons UK
Contact Detail:
Bright Horizons UK Recruiting Team
europe.recruitment@brighthorizons.com
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, demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs. This will show that you are not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current employees on platforms like LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences at Bright Horizons and what they love about working there. This insider knowledge can help you tailor your approach and show genuine interest during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've previously engaged children in learning activities. Highlighting your practical experience will demonstrate your capability and passion for the role, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the concept of forest schools and how they operate. Since this nursery has an up-and-coming forest school, being knowledgeable about its principles and benefits will show your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute to this unique environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner
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 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 ability to create engaging activities and build strong relationships with both children and parents.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to clearly state your Level 3 Early Years qualification and any additional training or certifications you have. This is essential for the role, so it should be prominent in your application.
Express Your Passion: Convey your enthusiasm for early years education in your application. Discuss your passion for making learning fun and engaging, and how you align with Bright Horizons' HEART values of Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.
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 a safe environment for children.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle various situations with children. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully managed challenges in a nursery setting.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills
Since the role involves working closely with colleagues and parents, be ready to talk about your teamwork and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've built strong relationships in previous positions, which is crucial for creating a positive environment.
