Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage children with fun activities and ensure their safety and development.
- Company: Bright Horizons is a leading nursery provider, rated 'Good' by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 50% childcare discount, up to 33 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team that values honesty, excellence, and teamwork while making a real impact on children's lives.
- 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 development across 300 nurseries.
The predicted salary is between 25727 - 26712 £ per year.
Nursery: Bright Horizons Saffron Walden Day Nursery and Preschool
Salary: Starting from £25,727 – £26,712 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)
Location: Saffron Walden, CB11
We are looking for a full-time Early Years Practitioner to join our Bright Horizons Saffron Walden Nursery.
Our Bright Horizons Saffron Walden Nursery is situated in the grounds of the Saffron Walden County High School and is Ofsted rated \”Good\”. The nursery offers on-site parking with an inviting staff room regularly stocked with goodies for the staff to enjoy.
What we can offer you
Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- 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
- 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’s
- 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, as well 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 and 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 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. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Early Years Practitioner employer: Bright Horizons UK
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, demonstrate 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 current employees on platforms like LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and what they love about working at Bright Horizons. 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 created engaging activities for children in your previous roles. Highlighting your practical experience will demonstrate your capability and passion for making learning fun, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends in early years education and be ready to discuss them. Showing that you're up-to-date with current practices will set you apart as a knowledgeable candidate who is committed to continuous professional development.
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 skills in creating engaging activities and building relationships with parents and colleagues.
Showcase Your Passion: Make sure to convey your passion for early years education in your application. Discuss why you believe learning should be fun and how you plan to implement this philosophy in your role as an Early Years Practitioner.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a childcare environment.
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 is looking for.
✨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 assess how you would handle various situations in a nursery setting. Think about past experiences where you successfully managed challenges or created engaging activities, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills
Bright Horizons values teamwork, so be sure to highlight your ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and build strong relationships with parents. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with both children and adults in your previous roles.
