At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a room in delivering engaging learning experiences for children.
- Company: Join the outstanding Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery, part of Family First Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, childcare discounts, and health support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Childcare qualification and over a year of Early Years experience required.
The predicted salary is between 29245 - 29245 £ per year.
Ready to take the next step in your early years career? We’re recruiting an experienced Nursery Practitioner or Room Leader at Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery.
Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery is a beautiful converted house nursery, rated Outstanding by Ofsted (November 2022). We provide a warm, home‑from‑home environment where children feel safe, supported and ready to thrive. The nursery is located on Hawthorn Avenue via Acacia Avenue, based on the school grounds of Colchester Academy, offering a well‑established setting at the heart of the local community.
Why Join Us?
- Generous Annual Leave: 24 days to start, plus bank holidays and your birthday off – paid!
- Childcare Discount: 75% off nursery fees for your little ones
- Health & Wellbeing Support: Confidential employee assistance helpline
- Career Growth: Personalised learning and development opportunities
- Refer a Friend: Earn up to £750 with our referral scheme*
Room Leader duties and responsibilities:
- Lead the room to deliver engaging, age‑appropriate learning experiences
- Support children’s physical, emotional, social and intellectual development
- Role model best practice and support staff development and consistency
- Oversee high‑quality learning records and systems (EyLog/EyMan)
- Ensure the safety, wellbeing and EYFS compliance at all times
Room Leader requirement and skills:
- Full and relevant Level 3 in Childcare qualification - Essential
- Over 1 year’s experience working in Early Years - Essential
- Sound knowledge of Ofsted expectations to achieve a Good or Outstanding rating - Desirable
- Knowledge of the statutory framework for the EYFS and regulatory requirements - Essential
- Fluent in written and spoken English - Essential
We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts. This post will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our Safeguarding Duty.
Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery is part of the Family First Group where we take great care to treat everyone as a person, with equal rights and responsibilities to any other individual, whether they are an adult or a child. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families according to their individual needs. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, ethnic or national origin, or political belief has no place within the Family First Group.
Locations
Nursery Practitioner or Senior Practitioner in Colchester, Essex employer: Family First Nursery Group
Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery is an outstanding employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its team members. With a warm, supportive work environment, generous annual leave, and significant childcare discounts, we ensure our staff feel valued and motivated. Located in the heart of the community, we offer personalised development opportunities to help you thrive in your early years career.
Contact Details:
Family First Nursery Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Practitioner or Senior Practitioner in Colchester, Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Nursery Practitioner or Room Leader role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Follow Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery on social media and engage with their posts. This shows your interest and can help you stand out when they see your enthusiasm for their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on Ofsted expectations and EYFS regulations. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only boost your confidence but also impress your potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Practitioner or Senior Practitioner in Colchester, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Nursery Practitioner or Senior Practitioner role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted expectations.
Show Your Passion:Let your love for early years education shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how you've supported children's development and created engaging learning experiences in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for our nursery. Remember, we appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you can ensure that all your details are captured correctly, and it helps us process your application more efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Family First Nursery Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the EYFS framework and Ofsted expectations. Being able to discuss how you’ve applied these in your previous roles will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but you can put it into practice.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported children's development and created engaging learning experiences. This will help the interviewers see your commitment to nurturing young minds.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of some thoughtful questions to ask about the nursery's approach to child development and team dynamics. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As a Nursery Practitioner or Room Leader, teamwork is key. Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with colleagues in the past and how you support staff development. Highlighting your ability to lead while fostering a positive environment will set you apart.
