Early Years Educator (up to £13.40 21ys+) in Leeds
Early Years Educator (up to £13.40 21ys+)

Early Years Educator (up to £13.40 21ys+) in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 27360 - 27800 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Muddy Boots Nursery

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Inspire young minds through engaging outdoor learning experiences and build strong relationships with families.
  • Company: Join the award-winning Muddy Boots Nursery, known for its supportive and nurturing environment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 4-day work week, free lunches, and lifestyle discounts.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career growth within our expanding nursery group across York and Leeds.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while enjoying a great work-life balance.
  • Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification or working towards one, with a passion for outdoor education.

The predicted salary is between 27360 - 27800 £ per year.

Early Years Educator at Muddy Boots Nursery, Gildersome, Leeds LS27 7EL. £13.00 – £13.40 per hour (age 21+). Full-time (4-day week).

Looking for better work–life balance in early years? Join our award-winning outdoor nursery, where educators work a 4-day week, are paid in the top 10% locally, and are supported to grow their careers within our nurseries across York and Leeds.

At Muddy Boots Gildersome, we’re proud to be an award-winning nursery, recognised for delivering exceptional early years education through meaningful outdoor learning. Everything we do is guided by our core values — Heart, Excellence, Growth, Teamwork and Responsibility — and they shape how we care for children, support families and look after each other as a team.

We particularly welcome applications from experienced Level 3 Early Years Educators who are ready to grow and develop their career within our nursery group. Real career development — many of our team members progress into Room Leader, Third in Charge and Deputy Manager roles as they grow with us.

We’re now looking for a passionate Early Years Educator to join our team, working in a nurturing, supportive environment where people genuinely matter.

Key Responsibilities

As an Early Years Educator at Muddy Boots, you’ll play a vital role in delivering high-quality, nature-based learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence and independence. Your role will include:

  • Planning and delivering engaging learning activities, with a strong focus on outdoor play and exploration
  • Observing, assessing and supporting children’s individual learning journeys
  • Acting as a key person and building strong, trusting relationships with families
  • Creating a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment
  • Working collaboratively as part of a positive, supportive team
  • Be responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in their care
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

We’re looking for someone who:

  • Holds a Level 3 Early Years qualification (or is working towards one)
  • Has experience in an early years setting
  • Shares our values and commitment to high-quality childcare
  • Has a genuine passion for outdoor learning and child-led play
  • Is positive, proactive and enjoys working as part of a team

Experience in outdoor education is welcomed, but a willingness to learn and grow with us is just as important.

Benefits

Why work at Muddy Boots? We know that when educators feel valued and supported, they do their best work. That’s why we offer a benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, work–life balance and career:

  • Top 10% pay locally, up to £13.40 per hour
  • 4-day working week for full-time staff – more time for you
  • Clear progression opportunities — move through our pay bandings and apply internally for new roles as they arise
  • Opportunities to progress within our growing group, including roles across our nurseries in York and Leeds
  • Extra holiday days for long-standing team members
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption pay
  • Free lunches, tea & snacks
  • Lifestyle discounts on groceries, travel, entertainment & more
  • Employee Assistance Programme – mental health support & coaching
  • Staff treats, social events & celebrations
  • Free uniform and on-site parking

Plus, the opportunity to work in an award-winning nursery that truly lives its values. Muddy Boots is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to Safeguarding and Promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This job is subject to an enhanced DBS check and Satisfactory References.

Ready to join the Muddy Boots family? If you’re excited by the idea of working in a values-led, award-winning nursery where people come first and outdoor learning is central to everything we do, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and start your Muddy Boots journey with us.

Early Years Educator (up to £13.40 21ys+) in Leeds employer: Muddy Boots Nursery

Muddy Boots Nursery is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for Early Years Educators. With a focus on work-life balance through a 4-day week, competitive pay in the top 10% locally, and clear career progression opportunities, we prioritise the wellbeing and growth of our team. Join us in our award-winning outdoor nursery, where your passion for child-led play and outdoor learning will be valued and celebrated.
Muddy Boots Nursery

Contact Detail:

Muddy Boots Nursery Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Early Years Educator (up to £13.40 21ys+) in Leeds

Tip Number 1

Get to know the nursery's values and mission. When you walk in for your interview, show how your passion for outdoor learning aligns with their commitment to high-quality childcare. This connection can really make you stand out!

Tip Number 2

Prepare some engaging examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in planning outdoor activities and building relationships with families. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to their team!

Tip Number 3

Don’t just focus on your qualifications; let your personality shine through! Muddy Boots is all about teamwork and positivity, so be sure to showcase your enthusiasm and willingness to grow within their supportive environment.

Tip Number 4

Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Muddy Boots family and ready to embark on this exciting journey with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Educator (up to £13.40 21ys+) in Leeds

Level 3 Early Years qualification
Experience in an early years setting
Passion for outdoor learning
Child-led play
Planning and delivering learning activities
Observing and assessing children's learning
Building relationships with families
Creating a safe and inclusive environment
Teamwork
Safeguarding and promoting welfare of children
Positive and proactive attitude
Willingness to learn and grow

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for outdoor learning and early years education shine through. We want to see your genuine love for nurturing children's curiosity and independence!

Align with Our Values: Make sure to highlight how your personal values align with ours — Heart, Excellence, Growth, Teamwork, and Responsibility. This will show us that you’re a great fit for our Muddy Boots family.

Be Specific About Your Experience: Share specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your skills in planning engaging activities and building relationships with families. We love to see how you've made a difference in children's lives!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Muddy Boots.

How to prepare for a job interview at Muddy Boots Nursery

Know Your Values

Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Muddy Boots' core values: Heart, Excellence, Growth, Teamwork, and Responsibility. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to share specific examples of how you've demonstrated these in your previous roles.

Showcase Your Passion for Outdoor Learning

Since this role focuses on outdoor play and exploration, prepare to discuss your experiences with nature-based learning. If you have any creative ideas for outdoor activities or ways to engage children in a natural setting, make sure to highlight those during the interview.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your ability to handle various situations in an early years setting. Think about times when you've had to support a child's individual learning journey or build relationships with families. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to show your interest in the nursery's approach to education and team dynamics. Ask about their professional development opportunities or how they support educators in implementing outdoor learning.

Early Years Educator (up to £13.40 21ys+) in Leeds
Muddy Boots Nursery
Location: Leeds

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