Early Years Educator in Stevenage

Hygge Bears Nursery is a new independent early years setting built on the belief that children thrive when the adults caring for them feel valued, supported and respected. We are deeply committed to doing the right thing by our people. Too often, early years professionals are stretched thin, under-supported or expected to put themselves last. We are determined to be different. At Hygge Bears, staff wellbeing, professional growth and feeling genuinely appreciated are not add-ons — they are foundational.

Our mission is simple: to create a calm, nurturing and meaningful environment for children by ensuring our educators are supported, trusted and able to do their best work. We offer a warm, reflective, nature-rich environment inspired by Hygge, outdoor learning and curiosity-led play. If you care deeply about children and believe educators deserve better, we would love to hear from you.

• Condensed 4-day working week
• £15 per hour (£31,200.00 per year)
• Up to 100% company sick pay
• Performance-based bonuses
• Genuine investment in your wellbeing and work–life balance
• Significant opportunities for growth within a new and expanding independent nursery
• A people-first culture where staff are listened to, supported and respected
• A calm, homely and nature-connected learning environment
• Ongoing professional development and training tailored to your goals and interests
• Access to extensive outdoor learning spaces, including farmland, natural play areas and animal interactions

As an Early Years Educator (Level 3) working with our baby and toddler rooms (ages 0–3), you will play a vital role in creating a secure, nurturing and responsive environment where children feel safe to explore and develop at their own pace. This is a hands-on, child-centred role focused on high-quality care, strong attachments and thoughtful practice — without added management responsibilities.

• Providing warm, responsive and consistent care for children aged 0–3
• Creating a calm, predictable and nurturing environment that supports emotional security
• Supporting age-appropriate learning through play, exploration and sensory experiences
• Observing, assessing and supporting children’s development in line with the EYFS
• Following children’s individual routines around feeding, sleep and care with sensitivity
• Embedding the Hygge ethos into everyday interactions and experiences
• Building secure attachments with children and positive relationships with families
• Maintaining a safe, well-organised and welcoming room environment
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure high-quality, consistent care

• A relevant and up-to-date Level 3 Early Years qualification (required)
• Experience working with babies in an early years setting
• A strong understanding of infant development, attachment and responsive caregiving
• A calm, reflective and nurturing approach to practice
• Confidence supporting routines that prioritise children’s emotional and physical needs
• A genuine passion for child-led, unhurried early learning
• Commitment to working in partnership with parents and carers
• Paediatric First Aid training is desirable

We are building a workplace where early years professionals feel supported, trusted and valued. Your wellbeing matters. Your professional voice matters. Your development matters. We believe that when educators feel calm, respected and fulfilled, children receive the very best care — and that belief shapes everything we do.

Hygge Bears Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All positions are subject to enhanced DBS checks, reference checks, qualification and identity verification, and assessment of suitability to work with children.