At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children with additional needs in a nurturing nursery environment.
- Company: Five Education, a caring and inclusive organisation in Gloucestershire.
- Benefits: Free training, DBS refund, and a bonus for recommending friends.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, especially those with additional needs, is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
Location: South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire – Cheltenham / Gloucester, Lydney, Dursley, Cheltenham
Job Type: Temporary
Start Date: Thursday 28th May 2026
Contact: Bella Worboys, email: bella@fiveeducation.co.uk, phone: 01174226167
Job Description: Nursery Practitioner – SEND Support in Gloucestershire. Five Education are seeking a caring, patient, and enthusiastic Nursery Practitioner to join a welcoming and well‑resourced setting in Gloucester. This rewarding role involves supporting young children with a range of additional needs, including Autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and physical disabilities. Previous experience working with children, particularly those with additional needs or Autism, is highly desirable. The successful candidate will be nurturing, resilient, and passionate about helping every child feel supported, safe, and included within the nursery environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work closely with nursery staff and parents/carers to support each child’s progress and wellbeing.
- Help create a positive, inclusive, and safe environment throughout the nursery day.
- Support children during meal times, outdoor play, and daily routines.
What We’re Looking For:
- Experience working with young children, ideally within a nursery, childcare, or SEND setting or transferable skills.
- A calm, caring, and flexible approach to supporting children with a range of needs.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work well as part of a team.
- A genuine passion for early years development and inclusive practice.
- Patience, resilience, and a proactive attitude towards supporting children’s wellbeing and behaviour.
Essential Requirements:
- Right to work in the UK – we are unable to offer Sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas.
- Ability to provide two recent references (from the last two years).
- Hold a current DBS check registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one.
- If you do not have a Non‑Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70, which will be refunded after 20 days of work with us.
What We Offer:
- Free specialised training in Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more.
- Free DBS refund after 20 days of work.
- Recommending a friend bonus scheme.
- Specialist support/mentoring while you are working.
- Transparent PAYE payroll with no hidden fees; pay includes holiday pay.
We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under‑represented at this level.
Qualified Nursery Practitioner in Lydney employer: Five
Five Education is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and inclusive work environment in South Gloucestershire. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from free specialised training and mentoring, ensuring they are well-equipped to support children with additional needs. The company values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about early years development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Nursery Practitioner in Lydney
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Five, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Nursery Practitioner in Lydney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Five. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Five. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Five
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Five.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Qualified Nursery Practitioner role at Five, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Five that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
