Qualified Early Years Educator | North Bristol NHS Trust

Do you have a passion for childcare? Are you imaginative, nurturing, and committed to giving every child the best start in life? Do you thrive in a playful, inclusive environment where no two days are the same? Do you believe in the power of play to shape a child’s future? Then Saplings Day Nursery is the place for you! We are currently looking to recruit Qualified Early Years Educators.

What we are looking for:

• A full and relevant Level 3 qualification in Early Years (e.g. NVQ Level 3, NNEB, CACHE).
• Experience working in a nursery or early years setting.
• A solid understanding of the EYFS and safeguarding requirements.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• A positive, caring attitude and a commitment to high-quality childcare.
• Your commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children – all staff are expected to share this commitment.

Please note: Level 3 Health & Social Care is not an equivalent qualification.

As an Early Years Educator, you will help to:

• Deliver the EYFS framework through engaging, child‑led play.
• Support the development of key children through observation, assessment, and planning.
• Build strong, supportive relationships with parents and carers.
• Ensure safeguarding and inclusive practice are consistently upheld.
• Work as part of a friendly, professional team in a well‑resourced, stimulating setting.

Your main duties will be to:

• Provide high‑quality, stimulating childcare for children aged 3 months–5 years.
• Create a safe, caring, and happy environment that supports each child’s development.
• Take an active role in settling new children and maintaining up‑to‑date learning records.
• Plan and evaluate imaginative activities that promote curiosity and confidence.
• Communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues.
• Complete written assessments and contribute to nursery documentation.

What we offer in return:

• Salary Band 3 (Top) £27,476.
• 27 days paid holiday, plus bank holidays.
• Free uniform.
• Ongoing training and development, with opportunities for career progression.
• Automatic enrolment in the NHS Pension Scheme, offering strong retirement benefits.
• Access to Holistic Health & Wellbeing Support.

Important Information:

• All positions are subject to an enhanced DBS check and references.
• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Additional responsibilities:

• To ensure the health and safety of the children in your care.
• To provide a safe, stimulating environment to encourage children to reach their full potential.
• To plan and evaluate day‑to‑day activities to ensure that children experience a wide range of appropriate activities that meet their interests and learning needs.
• To organise both individual and group activities for the children and ensure they are adequately supervised on and off the site.
• To take responsibility and care for a group of children, taking the lead for their learning diaries and completing all observations, reports and other paperwork as necessary.
• To work closely and build a good relationship with parents and ensure all relevant information is available to parents and communicate with them daily as regards their child’s welfare.
• To provide a transition plan for new children to the nursery or for those children who are moving on to another setting or school.
• To work alongside other agencies to support special educational needs.
• To occasionally take part in home/school visits for any children needing extra support.
• To work as part of the early years team, usually in one room but being flexible about working in other rooms with different age groups and occasionally, working at other locations within North Bristol Trust.
• To be responsible for the maintenance of positive behaviour in accordance with the Behaviour Policy.
• To attend staff training, feeding back information to colleagues and to keep up to date with childcare information.
• To have a sound knowledge and understanding of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and Welfare Requirements which is implemented and lead by the manager.
• To follow North Bristol Trust’s and the Childcare Services Dept. policies and procedures.
• To work towards and contribute to a quality assurance scheme.
• To attend parents’ evenings to provide parents with their child’s progress and developmental files and discuss any issues they feel relevant.
• To attend and contribute to staff meetings on a regular basis.
• To maintain professional relationships, build on teamwork and share ideas.
• To promote equal opportunities and follow the Valuing Diversity and Promoting Equality policy within the setting and ensure that a culturally sensitive environment is maintained.
• To adhere to the settings dress code at all times.
• To attend staff appraisals where performing and training needs are monitored.
• To be aware of data protection and the importance of confidentiality.