At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a room in delivering engaging learning experiences for children.
- Company: Join the Outstanding-rated Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, childcare discounts, and health support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Childcare qualification and over a year of 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.
Full time - 36 hours £29,245 per annum
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
Senior Nursery 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, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the heart of the community, this nursery offers unique opportunities for career advancement and development, making it an ideal place for passionate early years practitioners.
Contact Details:
Family First Nursery Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Nursery 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 Senior Nursery Practitioner role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with some volunteering or shadowing! This not only boosts your experience but also shows potential employers your commitment to the field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people and expand your network.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to early years education. Think about how you can showcase your knowledge of Ofsted expectations and EYFS compliance. We want you to shine when it comes to discussing your experience!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets directly to us. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Nursery Practitioner in Colchester, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Nursery Practitioner role. Highlight your Level 3 qualification and any relevant experience in early years settings to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for early years education and how you can contribute to our warm, home-from-home environment. Don’t forget to mention your knowledge of Ofsted expectations!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples where you’ve led a team or supported children’s development. We love seeing how you’ve made a difference in previous roles, so let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s quick and easy, and it helps us keep track of your application better!
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.
✨Showcase 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 them see your commitment to nurturing young minds.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of thoughtful questions to ask about the nursery's approach to child development and staff support. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and want to ensure it’s the right fit for both you and the nursery.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As a Room Leader, collaboration is key. Be ready to discuss how you’ve worked with colleagues to enhance learning environments or support each other’s professional growth. Highlighting your teamwork skills will resonate well with their values.
