At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's learning and development during lunch hours in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join a top-rated, employee-owned nursery with a community-driven ethos.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, childcare discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values every voice and promotes inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in childcare.
- Qualifications: Experience with young children; early years qualification is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Role: Nursery Practitioner (Lunch Cover)
Location: Highbury Lodge Day Nursery | Hitchin | SG4 9RW
Contract: Permanent | 20 hours/week | 52 weeks/year
Working pattern: 10:00-14:00 Monday-Friday
Salary: £12.87-£15.59 per hour
We’ve been delivering childcare excellence since 1989. Within our 44-day nurseries, Head Office, and Training Academy, EduBase, our ethos is simple: we all belong, we all matter, and we all contribute. We believe in ‘careers, not jobs’, supporting one another to grow and succeed.
Why join us?
- Generous annual leave: 23 days paid leave per annum (pro‑rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
- Work‑life balance: Up to a further 20 paid days off each year through our Partnership Reward Days incentive; take your leave or sell the days you accrue, tax‑free.
- Childcare discount: 75% discount (or 40% grandparent discount) on your fees at any Childbase nursery, from day one.
- Exclusive partner benefits: Long‑service rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts.
- Wellbeing support: Free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye care vouchers and a free will‑writing service.
- Career development: Team inset days, access to online training and apprenticeships through our academy.
About Us
- We are employee‑owned: Every colleague is a partner with a voice, who helps drive our success; when we do well, we each receive an annual tax‑free dividend.
- We are number 1: Ranked top of the Nursery World league tables for our Ofsted outcomes.
- We are community driven: Supporting causes close to our hearts, we’ve raised more than £3.5 million for charity.
- We are environmentally responsible: Building a greener tomorrow our nurseries all hold Green Flag awards and are powered by 100% renewable energy.
About You
- You are a naturally nurturing person: You have some experience of caring for babies and children aged five and under, ideally in an early years environment; holding a DfE approved early years qualification at level 2 or above is advantageous though not essential.
- You are passionate about inspiring children: Your knowledge of child development, and ideally your EYFS knowledge, will enable you to implement engaging activities that have been planned by the Key Person to empower children to learn through play and exploration; you will contribute to observations for the children’s learning journeys.
- You are an advocate for safeguarding: You will ensure every child feels safe, valued, and happy and their well‑being is promoted.
- You are collaborative: You enjoy working in partnership with others, and can effectively communicate and build strong and positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
We are an inclusive employer and we welcome applicants of all ages and backgrounds. We’re committed to FREDIE (fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and engagement) and will consider any reasonable adjustments required. If you meet the essential criteria for this role, your application will be automatically shortlisted for review by our Recruitment Team who will determine if an interview is the next step. Applicants must currently reside within a commutable distance of the nursery and hold suitable Right to Work in the UK; VISA sponsorship is not available. Safer recruitment checks apply, which include an Enhanced DBS check.
Nursery Practitioner (Lunch Cover) in Hitchin employer: Childbase Partnership Ltd
At Highbury Lodge Day Nursery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values every team member as a partner in our success. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous leave policies, and extensive career development opportunities, we foster a nurturing work culture where everyone can thrive. Our dedication to community and environmental responsibility further enhances the rewarding experience of working with us, making it a truly meaningful place to build your career in childcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Practitioner (Lunch Cover) in Hitchin
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around Highbury Lodge Day Nursery if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment will help you feel more confident and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some engaging questions! Think about what you want to know about the nursery's approach to child development or their community initiatives. This shows you're not just there for the job, but you care about their ethos and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for childcare! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've inspired children in the past. Whether it’s a fun activity or a moment of connection, let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and shows your appreciation for the opportunity. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Practitioner (Lunch Cover) in Hitchin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your nurturing nature and how you've inspired kids in the past.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the Nursery Practitioner role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'collaborative' and 'safeguarding', to show you understand what we're looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and skills without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Familiarise yourself with the nursery's ethos and values, as well as their approach to safeguarding. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand what it entails.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've inspired or engaged children in the past. This could be through activities you've led or moments where you've made a positive impact on a child's learning journey.
✨Be Collaborative
Highlight your ability to work well with others. Discuss experiences where you've successfully collaborated with colleagues or parents to support children's development. This will demonstrate that you can build strong relationships, which is key in a nursery setting.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the nursery's approach to professional development or how they support staff wellbeing. Asking insightful questions shows that you're engaged and serious about the position.
