Early Years Educator 1:1 in Plymouth

Location: Derriford, Plymouth
Salary: £13.84 per hour
Additional Benefits: c.£5k
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Hours: 30per week

About Happy Days Nurseries

Happy Days Nurseries is looking for a passionate Early Years Educator 1:1 to join our team at Derriford Nursery.

You’ll provide individualised support to children with additional needs, helping them develop confidence, independence and reach their full potential. Working closely with the SENCO, Early Years Manager and wider team, you’ll support inclusive learning experiences and help every child participate fully in nursery life.

The Role

You’ll support children’s learning, development and wellbeing through individualised, play-based experiences aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Working collaboratively with the SENCO and key persons, you’ll adapt activities and approaches to meet children’s individual needs, supporting communication, social interaction, emotional wellbeing and independence.

This varied role involves working across different rooms and age groups, either alongside a child’s key person or facilitating learning independently, as appropriate. You’ll contribute to observations, assessments and support plans while helping maintain a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individualised 1:1 support, helping children with additional needs access the EYFS curriculum and participate in nursery life.
• Work with the SENCO, key persons and wider team to identify and respond to children’s individual needs.
• Support children’s learning, communication, social interaction, emotional wellbeing and independence through play.
• Adapt activities and resources to reflect children’s developmental stages, interests and abilities.
• Work flexibly across different rooms and age groups to meet changing needs.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues.
• Contribute to observations, assessments, planning and individual support plans.
• Create safe, stimulating and inclusive indoor and outdoor learning environments.
• Deliver engaging activities that encourage curiosity and development, including STEM opportunities where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records and follow safeguarding, health and safety and child welfare procedures.
• Participate in training and professional development to strengthen inclusive practice.

Why Join Us?

You’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children’s early experiences, helping them feel included, supported and confident as they learn and develop. Working alongside experienced Early Years professionals and the SENCO, you’ll broaden your skills and knowledge while contributing to a positive, supportive nursery environment.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a caring, patient and proactive Early Years professional with a genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs.

You’ll ideally have:

• Experience supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or additional needs.
• A good understanding of the EYFS and inclusive early years practice.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, child welfare and health and safety requirements.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• A flexible, calm and solutions-focused approach.
• The ability to work collaboratively with the SENCO, key persons and wider team.
• A commitment to ongoing learning and high standards of childcare.

It would also be desirable to have:

• An interest in STEM and using creative activities to encourage children’s curiosity.

What We Offer

We’re proud to provide a supportive environment where our people can develop, progress and thrive.

Learning & Development

• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Opportunities to develop skills in supporting children with additional needs.
• Support from experienced Early Years professionals and the SENCO.
• Opportunities for career progression.
• A positive team culture built on quality, positivity and responsibility.
• Generous annual leave from day one.
• Extra days off for Christmas and personal day.
• Extensive Health and Wellbeing Support.

If you’re passionate about supporting children with additional needs and helping every child reach their potential, we’d love to hear from you.

Join Happy Days Nurseries and help create inclusive early years experiences where every child can learn, grow and thrive.

Inclusion & Safeguarding

Happy Days Nurseries is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

We are committed to safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of every child in our care. All successful candidates will undergo the required pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and reference history checks, and must demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and ongoing professional development.

#J-18808-Ljbffr