Early Years Practitioner - Taunton (Bank Staff - Summer cover)

Salary: From £12.71 per hour (depending on experience, bank staff)

Hours: As required (bank/zero hours, flexible shifts)

Contract: Bank staff contract

We are recruiting reliable and caring Early Years Practitioners to join our Taunton team as bank staff. This role offers flexibility to work ad-hoc shifts across our nursery, supporting children aged 0–5. You will be part of the room team, working under the guidance of the Room Manager and senior staff to provide high-quality care, learning experiences and a safe, nurturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Childcare and Learning: Provide attentive, high-quality care, play and learning opportunities that support each child's development and wellbeing. Support the planning and delivery of age-appropriate activities in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Prepare and maintain stimulating learning environments, resources and routines to meet children's needs. Observe children, contribute to records and help identify next steps, sharing information with senior staff.
• Safeguarding, Health and Safety: Follow all safeguarding, child protection, health and safety and welfare procedures at all times. Support children's personal care, hygiene, meals and rest in line with nursery policies and individual care plans. Report any concerns about children's wellbeing or safety to a senior member of staff without delay.
• Partnership with Parents and Carers: Welcome children and families warmly and professionally each day. Share relevant information about children's care and development with parents and carers, maintaining confidentiality and respect. Support children through transitions, including settling in, room moves and home/nursery handovers.
• Teamwork and Professional Conduct: Work collaboratively as part of the room and wider nursery team, providing reliable cover when required. Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality and a positive, flexible attitude to duties and shift patterns. Engage with training, supervision and feedback as required to maintain and develop practice.

Person Specification

• Essential: Genuine passion for working with young children and supporting families. Reliable, flexible and able to respond to varying shift patterns as bank staff. Commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare. Willingness to undertake required pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS.
• Desirable: Previous experience working with children (paid, voluntary or caring role). Relevant childcare qualification or working towards an Early Years qualification. Knowledge of the EYFS and good practice in early years settings.

What we offer:

• Flexible, bank-based working to fit your lifestyle and availability.
• Supportive, values-led organisation committed to staff development and wellbeing.
• Access to training, development opportunities and potential progression to permanent positions.

Our commitment to safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and safer recruitment processes.