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- Tasks: Join our Nursery team to provide high-quality care and education for young children.
- Company: Derby College Group, a nurturing environment focused on outdoor learning.
- Benefits: 34 days holiday, pension scheme, discounts, and continuous development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while promoting creativity and nature-based learning.
- Qualifications: Level 3 childcare qualification and experience in a nursery setting required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers excellent career progression.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Derby College Group (DCG) is looking for an enthusiastic Early Years Practitioner to join our Nursery team. You’ll play a vital role in providing high‑quality care and education, with a strong focus on outdoor and nature‑based learning to inspire curiosity and support children’s development.
Opportunity
You’ll work as part of our Nursery team to deliver high‑quality care and education for young children. This includes planning and supporting age‑appropriate activities, promoting outdoor and nature‑based learning, and contributing to children’s learning journeys. You’ll collaborate with colleagues, liaise with families, and ensure safeguarding and inclusive practice, creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
About You
You’ll be caring, professional, and passionate about early years education, with strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. Experience in a nursery setting and knowledge of the EYFS framework are essential, along with a Level 3 childcare qualification and Level 2 in English and Maths. You’ll bring creativity and confidence in promoting outdoor and nature‑based learning.
Benefits
- 34 days holiday (inclusive of 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days where these occur)
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with a 19.9% employer contribution
- Discount at our Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ onsite Little Explorers Nursery
- TOTUM discount card (aka NUS/Student Discount Card) / discounted Tastecard
- Discounts on East Midlands Railway Annual Season Tickets
- Microsoft Office for FREE with 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage
- Discount on treatments at SENSI our onsite salon at the Roundhouse
- Flint Bishop Solicitors – free will writing, 1‑hour free consultation with family department, 10% discount on Conveyancing services
- Continuous development and progression opportunities
- Free eye tests with Specsavers
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace which promotes and values diversity. We welcome all talent irrespective of age, disability, neuro‑divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. We ensure that our policies and procedures treat all applicants consistently and fairly during our recruitment process.
If you have any questions about the recruitment process, reasonable adjustments, or about the role, please contact us at hrrecruitment@derby-college.ac.uk.
Safeguarding statement
DCG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. An online search of the preferred candidate is also completed to help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which the college may need to explore with the candidate further. Please be advised that it is an offence to apply for this position if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Visa sponsorship
Please note that unfortunately, this role is ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points‑based immigration system. Applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK but would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. Please consult the Home Office website for further information.
Recruitment Agencies
We have a PSL of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list.
Early Years Practitioner employer: Derby College
Contact Detail:
Derby College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery team and the environment before your interview. Visit the nursery if you can, or check out their online presence. This will help you understand their approach to outdoor and nature-based learning, which is key for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of how you've promoted outdoor learning in your previous roles. We love to see creativity and passion, so think about activities that inspired curiosity in children and how you can bring that to Derby College.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be liaising with families and colleagues, being able to express your ideas clearly is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Derby College.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through. We want to see how much you care about nurturing young minds and promoting outdoor learning!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in nursery settings and your understanding of the EYFS framework. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values and the role!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot. No need for fluff – just show us what you've got!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Derby College
✨Know Your EYFS Framework
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework before your interview. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied it in previous roles, especially in planning age-appropriate activities and promoting outdoor learning.
✨Show Your Passion for Nature-Based Learning
Since this role emphasises outdoor and nature-based learning, think of specific examples where you've successfully integrated these elements into your practice. Share stories that highlight your creativity and enthusiasm for inspiring children's curiosity.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions
Collaboration is key in this role, so expect questions about working with colleagues and families. Prepare examples that showcase your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to a nurturing environment in a team setting.
✨Understand Safeguarding Practices
Familiarise yourself with safeguarding policies and practices, as they are crucial in early years settings. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure the safety and well-being of children, and any relevant training or experiences you have in this area.
