At a Glance
- Tasks: Create a nurturing environment for children to grow, explore, and learn through play.
- Company: Join the caring Little Owls team at Dove House, dedicated to early years education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 22 days holiday, free uniform, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Flexible hours available, with opportunities for professional growth and training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a positive, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 or 3 in Early Years, proactive and passionate about child development.
The predicted salary is between 27600 - 55200 £ per year.
Join the Little Owls Family – We are now looking for Nursery Practitioners and Nursery Assistants to join our warm, friendly and dedicated team.
Location: Little Owls @ Dove House, Chamberlain Road, Hull, HU8 8DH
Role open to applications: Until 29th May 2026. Interview date TBC.
Salary: £13.29 per hour for Nursery Practitioner. £13.08 per hour for Nursery Assistant
Hours of work: We can offer between 20 and 40 hours per week. To help us provide consistent care, we ask that applicants are open to being available on a variety of days. Your hours will be confirmed in advance and primarily set for each term; however, overtime may be needed from time to time in order to maintain legal ratios. Specific working days may vary based on the needs of the nursery. All contracts within the nursery are required to be flexible to ensure staffing levels maintain the correct ratios required as set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework.
At Little Owls, we believe every child deserves a caring, safe and enriching environment where they feel known, valued and supported to flourish. Our team is passionate, positive and professional, working together to deliver high quality early education and care for babies and young children.
As part of our Little Owls team, you will create a nurturing environment where children can grow, explore and learn through play. You’ll work collaboratively with colleagues, forming strong relationships with families and supporting every child as an individual.
Ideal Candidate
- Qualified to Level 2 or 3 in Early Years (or equivalent)
- Proactive, creative and enthusiastic about child development
- Passionate about working with young children
- Positive, reliable, nurturing and eager to learn
- Committed to providing safe, inclusive, high quality care
Why Little Owls?
At Little Owls, you’ll be part of a caring, values driven organisation supported by Dove House Hospice. Our One Team approach means we look after each other, celebrate success and work collaboratively across all areas of the nursery.
Benefits
- A welcoming, supportive working environment
- 22 days per annum plus bank holidays. All holiday entitlements are pro-rata for part-time workers.
- Free uniform
- Option to purchase a week’s leave
- Death in service insurance cover of 3 x annual salary
- Option to join an employee Christmas savings club
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program
- Pension with an employer’s contribution of 5% against an employee contribution of 5%.
Safeguarding Commitment
Little Owls is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles require:
- An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check with an appropriate children barred list check
- Ongoing safeguarding training
- 2 employment references
- A commitment to child protection responsibilities
Nurturing Early Years Practitioner & Assistant employer: Dove House Hospice Ltd.
At Little Owls, we pride ourselves on being a nurturing and supportive employer, dedicated to creating a warm environment for both our staff and the children in our care. Our team enjoys a range of benefits including generous holiday entitlements, a pension scheme with employer contributions, and opportunities for professional growth within a values-driven organisation. Located in Hull, we foster a collaborative work culture where every team member is valued, ensuring that you can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nurturing Early Years Practitioner & Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll past Little Owls and soak in the vibe. Familiarise yourself with their values and approach to early years education. This will help you connect during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do a mock interview. Focus on common questions for nursery practitioners, like how you’d handle specific situations with children. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your passion for child development.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Bring along a fun idea for an activity you could do with the kids. Whether it’s a craft project or a game, demonstrating your proactive and creative side can really impress the interviewers at Little Owls.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Nurturing Early Years Practitioner & Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young children shine through. We want to see your genuine love for child development and how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment at Little Owls.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant qualifications and experiences that align with the role of Nursery Practitioner or Assistant. We’re looking for proactive and creative individuals, so don’t forget to showcase any specific skills or achievements that demonstrate this!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:To ensure your application gets to us directly, please apply through our website. It’s the best way to make sure we receive all your details and can consider you for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dove House Hospice Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework. Brush up on child development theories and practices, as well as the specific values and mission of Little Owls. This will show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and understand what’s expected.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with young children shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your proactive and nurturing approach. This will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to creating a warm and supportive environment.
✨Be Flexible and Open-Minded
Since the role requires flexibility in working hours, be prepared to discuss your availability openly. Highlight your willingness to adapt to the nursery's needs and how you can manage varying schedules while maintaining a positive attitude.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that reflect your interest in the nursery’s culture and practices. Inquire about their approach to child development or how they support staff in their professional growth. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but are genuinely invested in being part of their team.