At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and support young children in a fun, play-based learning environment.
- Company: Join Brighton & Hove City Council's dedicated team at Cherry Tree Nursery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, training opportunities, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in early years education.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years and childcare experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic, child-centred setting with ongoing support and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 27254 - 27254 £ per year.
Contract Permanent
Location: Cherry Tree Nursery, Brentwood Road
Job reference: Positions available 2
Working hours: 30 and 37
The starting salary for this role is equivalent to £14.13 per hour.
- 37 hour post - Shifts between 07:45am and 6pm. We are happy to consider candidates who require some flexibility, however you will need to be able to start at 7:45 and finish at 6pm regularly.
- 30 Hour post - Shifts will be Monday to Thursday 12-6pm and Friday 8am-2pm.
We would welcome any candidate to visit our setting to meet our staff team, see our learning spaces and hear about our ethos. For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact Eleanor Macey - Nursery Manager on 01273 296052.
About the role:
Cherry Tree Nursery is one of Brighton and Hove City Council Family Hub Nurseries. We operate five nurseries across the City and provide a high quality service for children aged from 3 months to 5 years. We are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. We are located within Hollingdean Family Hub which has been purpose built to meet the needs of young children and their families. The nursery is open plan and provides children with lots of space to play and learn. We have a large garden space where children can climb trees, plant vegetables, ride bikes and explore nature. We have a play-based approach to learning in a fun, happy and calm atmosphere. We are proud of our staff who are qualified or working towards a qualification, who share our passion for delivering a high standard of care to the children and provide exciting opportunities for the children to grow, learn and develop into confident young people.
Applicants must have:
- a minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years and childcare
- experience of working with young children in an early years environment
- a fun positive attitude to work
- experience of delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- passion to learn and develop
- experience of meeting the individual needs of young children and their families
- demonstrate a passion and commitment for providing high quality care and learning opportunities
The role involves:
- being a key person for a group of children
- building relationships
- being an inspiration to the children
- supporting attachment building
- ensuring the children feel safe
- carrying out observations
- assessing children
- supporting growth and development.
We will provide:
- Salary above market average starting at £27,254 for a full-time post of 37 hours a week, equivalent to £14.13 per hour
- 25 days paid holiday every year plus bank holidays, rising to 28 days holiday after five years service.
- a full induction and training programme
- 3 in house training days per year, plus other opportunities to attend individual training courses.
- Encouragement and support to further your education through continued professional development.
- Loans available to support with bus travel or buying a bike and deposits on rental properties, these are paid back over the year straight from your salary.
- staff discount scheme can be used in local shops/cafes and national stores, includes free rides on Volks rail, discounted cinema tickets, and discounted gift cards.
- ongoing support in the form of regular supervisions and appraisals
- The opportunity to work as part of a dedicated team
- A setting that is child and family centred, not for profit.
As part of your application, you will need to complete your education and work history and provide answers to some shortlisting questions. Your answers to the shortlisting questions are the most important part of your application as they will be used in the shortlisting process to assess whether you meet the essential requirements for the role that are set out in the person specification and to decide whether you should be offered an interview.
Before you start your application, please read our guidance here (Application form guidance) and Shortlisting questions guidance as this gives important advice which will increase your chance of success in the shortlisting process.
Additional information:
Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is less than 37 hours or term-time only. For more information about our values and the benefits of working at the council, visit Why work for us.
Encouraging a diverse workforce: Our city is known and loved for its diversity. Not only is the mixture of people, culture and skills vital to the economic and social development of the city, it's what makes Brighton & Hove such a great place to live, work and visit. We are committed to developing and retaining a workforce that is representative of the diverse communities we serve so we welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds. In order to achieve our aims of proportionate representation, we particularly encourage applicants from a BME or White Other background as well as those who identify as disabled, male or trans.
Please note that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check.
Early Years Practitioner employer: Brighton & Hove City Council
Contact Detail:
Brighton & Hove City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before applying, why not pop in for a visit? Meeting the staff and seeing the space can give you a real feel for the place and help you tailor your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get that interview, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They might share insider tips or even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to ace those shortlisting questions.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you dive into your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in an Early Years Practitioner and how your skills match up. This will help you tailor your application to stand out!
Show Off Your Experience: When filling out your application, highlight your relevant experience with young children and any qualifications you have. We want to see how you've delivered the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and how you can bring that passion to our nursery.
Answer Shortlisting Questions Thoughtfully: The shortlisting questions are super important! Take your time to answer them thoroughly, showcasing your commitment to high-quality care and learning. This is your chance to shine, so make sure we see your enthusiasm and dedication!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important information. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team at Cherry Tree Nursery!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brighton & Hove City Council
✨Know Your EYFS
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented it in your previous roles, as this will show your understanding of child development and learning.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with young children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've created engaging learning experiences or built strong relationships with children and families.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask about the nursery's approach and ethos. This not only shows your interest but also helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
✨Visit the Nursery
If possible, take the opportunity to visit Cherry Tree Nursery before your interview. Familiarising yourself with the environment and staff can give you valuable insights to discuss during your interview.