Early Years Practitioner (Level 3) 5th December 2025

Job title: Early Years Practitioner (Level 3)
Salary: £16.04 per hour
Hours: 15 hours per week, 39 weeks of the year (there are two roles available)

Responsibilities

• To deliver excellent practice across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• To respond to the learning and developmental needs of children in our care
• To work effectively as a member of a child‑centred team
• To work with the Nursery Manager and Deputy to implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• To contribute to the delivery of high quality, inclusive childcare and early education, which is responsive to the needs of children and their families.
• To contribute to the establishment of a safe, welcoming environment, including a range of child‑led and adult initiated experiences, activities and play opportunities in indoor, and outdoor environments which enable children to develop and learn.
• To observe, monitor and record children’s learning and development
• To work in a non‑discriminatory, culturally sensitive manner which encourages all families to access the service.
• To ensure that accurate and up to date records are kept.
• To ensure that health, safety and hygiene standards are maintained to relevant regulatory standards.
• To report and record any concerns regarding children’s well‑being and development to the Nursery Manager and Designated Safeguarding Leads.
• To have high expectations of all children and demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that they can achieve their full potential.
• To ensure that the service delivery is maintained within current legislative requirements including the Welfare Requirements, Health and Safety and Safeguarding.
• To work in partnership with parents / carers and other family members, to support children’s learning, development and well‑being.
• Engage in learning and continual professional development opportunities.
• Create and contribute to a working culture and practices that recognise, respect and value difference.
• Undertake any other duties as may be appropriate and required from time to time.
• Support the requirements of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities via specialist programs so that the Company’s admission policy may be as inclusive as possible.
• To develop positive relationships with parents, cares and other partners to ensure that the needs of children are met, and to support children’s learning, development and well‑being.

Person specification

Essential requirements of the post

1. Experience and qualifications

• An appropriate early years, childcare or education qualification at NVQ level 3 or above that meets the standards required by Ofsted registration and inspection processes.
• Maths and English Level 2 or equivalent
• Paediatric First Aid
• Experience of working with children and young people with complex needs and their families
• Experience of facilitating an inclusive child‑centred service.
• Proven practical experience of implementing good quality learning opportunities
• Completion of Safeguarding training (minimum Level 2)

2. Knowledge and Understanding

• A good knowledge and understanding of the EYFS, Ofsted standards and relevant current legislation.
• A good knowledge of Birth to 5 matters
• Experience of behaviour management
• Thorough knowledge of the developmental needs of young children.
• A commitment to inclusive and non‑discriminatory working practice with children, families, colleagues and the community.
• Knowledge of the needs of children with SEND.

3. Skills and Abilities

• Empathy and understanding of children under five.
• Able to sensitively balance child‑initiated activities, knowing when to intervene to extend children’s learning and development
• A team player
• Excellent verbal and communication skills with children and parents. Ability to write reports and keep clear and accurate records.
• Proficient administrative and IT skills
• Confident to deal with potential new parents
• Excellent time and task management skills.
• Excellent observation skills which inform assessment and planning.
• Flexibility, initiative and the ability to respond appropriately to child and family need
• Excellent active listening skills.
• The ability to problem‑solve and use initiative

4. Personal Qualities

• Ability to relate well to children and adults
• Ability to lead, motivate and influence others in a positive and inspiring way
• To show a commitment to the pre‑school and organisation as a whole
• A positive approach