Nursery Practitioner

Lakera Early Years Nursery is seeking a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Level 3 Nursery Practitioner to join our team. We provide high-quality care and education for children aged 3 months to 5 years, creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every child is encouraged to learn, develop and reach their full potential.

The successful candidate will support children's learning and development through engaging activities, positive relationships and purposeful play in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care, supervision and support for children aged 3 months to 5 years.
• Plan and deliver fun, engaging and age-appropriate learning activities in line with the EYFS.
• Observe, assess and record children's learning, development and progress.
• Support children's communication, language, physical development, personal care and emotional wellbeing.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues.
• Maintain a safe, clean, stimulating and inclusive learning environment.
• Follow safeguarding, child protection, health and safety and nursery policies at all times.
• Support children's individual needs, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios.
• Assist with daily routines, including meals, sleep, nappy changing, toileting and personal hygiene, as appropriate to children's ages.
• Maintain accurate observations, learning records and other required documentation.
• Participate in staff meetings, training and professional development.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of care and educational provision.

Essential Requirements and Qualifications

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent.
• Experience working in a nursery or early years childcare setting is desirable.
• A good understanding of the EYFS statutory framework and child development.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Good communication, teamwork and organisational skills.
• A caring, patient, reliable and positive attitude.
• A genuine passion for working with young children and supporting their development.
• A commitment to inclusive practice and working in partnership with families.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team and follow nursery policies and procedures.
• Willingness to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and required suitability checks.
• The right to work in the UK.

Benefits

At Lakera Early Years Nursery, we value our staff and aim to create a supportive and rewarding working environment. Our proposed staff benefits include a birthday gift voucher, an additional day off for your birthday and opportunities for additional annual leave based on length of service. We aim to recognise staff commitment through long-service rewards and attendance incentives, subject to eligibility and the nursery's policies. Other benefits may include employee discounts, discounted childcare for eligible staff, a workplace pension scheme, health and wellbeing support, staff recognition and team celebrations. We are committed to providing opportunities for professional development through relevant training, further qualifications and career progression. Our goal is to create a welcoming, collaborative environment where every team member feels valued and supported in delivering high-quality care and education. All benefits are subject to the nursery's approved policies, eligibility criteria and contractual terms.

Employment Details

• Employer: Lakera Early Years Nursery
• Location: Croydon/Bromley area, London
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Working Days: Monday to Friday
• Operating Year: 51 weeks per year, with the nursery closed for one week between Christmas and New Year.
• Work Location: On site at Lakera Early Years Nursery.

The Nursery Practitioner will be expected to work flexibly according to the nursery's operational requirements, supporting the daily running of the setting and helping maintain high standards of care, education and safeguarding. Contractual arrangements and other employment terms will be confirmed in the employment contract.