At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's care and create a nurturing, engaging environment.
- Company: Little Navigators Nursery, a calm and child-led setting in Barnes, London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 26 days leave, wellbeing support, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Join a values-led team that prioritises emotional wellbeing and meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification and experience in early years settings.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 34000 £ per year.
Location: Barnes, London
Setting: Little Navigators Nursery
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £32,000 - 34,000 gross per annum
About the Nursery
Little Navigators is a calm, attachment-informed nursery, created by a Play Therapist. We offer a nurturing, child-led environment where children feel safe, understood, and confident to explore the world around them. Our approach blends strong relationships, thoughtful environments, and a deep respect for each child’s emotional development.
Role Overview
We are looking for a warm, reliable and enthusiastic Early Years Teacher to join our team. You will support the day-to-day care of children, helping to create a safe, engaging and emotionally attuned environment. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who is passionate about early years and wants to be part of a reflective, supportive and values-led setting.
Teaching & Learning
- Lead high-quality teaching through play and meaningful interactions.
- Plan and deliver engaging learning experiences that reflect children's interests and developmental needs.
- Use observations and assessment to support children's individual learning journeys.
- Adapt experiences to ensure all children, including those with SEND and EAL, can fully participate.
- Promote children's communication, language and early literacy through everyday interactions.
Relationships & Wellbeing
- Act as a key person, building secure, trusting relationships with children and their families.
- Support children's emotional wellbeing through co-regulation and responsive, relationship-centred practice.
- Foster children's independence, confidence and self-esteem.
Curriculum
- Implement the Little Navigators curriculum with consistency and creativity.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of the curriculum, learning environments and teaching strategies.
- Ensure experiences reflect the nursery's values and educational philosophy.
Assessment & Documentation
- Complete high-quality observations and assessments.
- Monitor children's progress and identify any additional support needs.
- Work alongside external professionals where appropriate.
Family Partnerships
- Build strong partnerships with parents and carers.
- Share children's learning and development through meaningful communication.
- Contribute to parent meetings, transition arrangements and nursery events.
Professional Practice
- Model excellent practice and support less experienced colleagues.
- Participate in reflective practice, supervision and ongoing professional development.
- Maintain accurate records in line with EYFS and nursery policies.
- Take responsibility for the organisation and presentation of the learning environment.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- A genuine love of working with young children
- Warm, patient and emotionally attuned approach
- Reliable, proactive and a strong team player
- Good communication skills
- Previous experience in a nursery or early years setting
- Level 3 qualification (or working towards)
Desirable:
- Interest in child development, attachment or therapeutic approaches
Salary & Benefits
- £32,000 - £34,000 per annum
- 26 days annual leave (+ extra day for each year served up to 5 years)
- Nursery closed between Christmas and New Year (additional to annual leave)
- Wellbeing support and supervision embedded into staff culture
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Employee Referral Bonus – Know someone great? Refer them and earn £250 when they join
Safeguarding
Little Navigators is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Enhanced DBS check required. References and suitability checks will be carried out.
Why Join Us
Be part of a nursery that prioritises relationships, emotional wellbeing and thoughtful practice - where both children and staff feel supported, valued and able to thrive.
Early Years Practitioner in London employer: Little Navigators Nursery
Little Navigators Nursery is an exceptional employer that fosters a nurturing and supportive environment for both children and staff. Located in the heart of Barnes, London, we prioritise emotional wellbeing and professional development, offering generous annual leave, ongoing training opportunities, and a culture of reflective practice. Join us to be part of a values-led team where your passion for early years education can truly flourish.
