Early Years Practitioner (37 hours)
Location: Cherry Tree Nursery, Brentwood Road, Brighton, BN1 7DY
Salary: £27,254 – £27,694 (full‑time, 37 hours). Equivalent to £14.13 per hour.
Contract: Basis Fixed Hours. Job posted on 10/06/2026. Job reference: REQ0001072.
About the Post
This role is a flexi‑shift post with shifts varying throughout the week, normally starting at 7:45 am and finishing at 6 pm. Flexibility is considered for those who need some days off or a different start/finish time one day a week.
About the Nursery
Cherry Tree Nursery is one of Brighton and Hove City Council's Family Hub Nurseries. It operates five nurseries and provides high quality care and learning for children aged 3 months to 5 years. The nursery is open Monday to Friday 8 am‑6 pm, 51 weeks a year, with a purpose‑built open‑plan setting and a large garden for play and exploration.
Requirements
- Level 3 qualification in early years and childcare, full and relevant equivalent, or Level 2 qualification and willingness to work towards Level 3.
- Experience working with young children in an early‑years environment.
- Positive, fun attitude to work.
- Experience delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
- Passion to learn and develop own knowledge and experience.
- Commitment to meeting the individual needs of young children and their families.
- Passion and commitment for providing high‑quality care and learning opportunities.
- Excellent communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Key person for a group of children.
- Build relationships with children and their families, supporting attachment development.
- Serve as an inspirational and role model to the children.
- Support learning and development.
- Carry out observations and complete assessments.
- Support the setting’s commitment to safeguarding children and adhere to child‑protection procedures.
Benefits
- Salary above market average, starting at £27,254 for 37 hours a week.
- Annual paid holiday plus bank holidays.
- Full induction and training programme.
- Encouragement and support for further education and professional development.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Loans available to support bus travel, bike purchase, and deposit loans for rental properties (repaid straight from salary).
- Staff discount scheme in local shops, national stores, cinema tickets, and gift cards.
- Ongoing support through regular supervision and appraisal.
- Opportunity to work as part of a dedicated, child‑ and family‑centred team.
- Not‑for‑profit setting.
EEO and Diversity
Our city is known for its diversity. We are committed to developing and retaining a workforce representative of the diverse communities we serve, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds, and particularly supporting BME, White Other, disabled, male, and trans applicants.
Working Conditions
We are a workplace that supports flexibility and employee wellbeing. Team and service working arrangements are designed to balance work life and collaboration. The contractual location is the designated council office for your team; travel to/from this location is at your own expense.
Note: This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and requires a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
Contact: Caroline Farmer, Nursery Manager, 01273 295616.
Early Years Practitioner (37 hours) in Brighton employer: Brighton & Hove City Council
Brighton & Hove City Council is an excellent employer, offering a nurturing work environment at Tarnerland Nursery School where you can make a meaningful impact on young children's lives. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a supportive team culture, employees enjoy generous benefits and opportunities for growth in their early years careers. Join us in creating a safe and engaging learning space in the vibrant community of Brighton.
Contact Details:
Brighton & Hove City Council Recruitment Team
