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 exceptional early years education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a top 10% salary, a 4-day work week, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values growth, teamwork, and outdoor learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while enjoying a supportive and nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience in an early years setting preferred.
The predicted salary is between 13.9 - 13.9 £ per hour.
Early Years Educator - Preschool Room - age 2.5 years old up to starting reception at school Muddy Boots Nursery, Wilberfoss YO41 5ND £13.50 – £13.90 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, Wilberfoss, 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 in our Toddler Room at Muddy Boots, you’ll play a vital role in delivering high-quality, nature-based learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence and independence to our youngest children. 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
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 £13.90 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 - Preschool Room (up to £13.90 21yrs+) in Wilberfoss employer: Muddy Boots Nursery
Muddy Boots Nursery is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive environment where educators can thrive. 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 are dedicated to fostering growth and well-being for our team members. Join us in our award-winning outdoor nursery, where your passion for early years education and outdoor learning will be truly valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Educator - Preschool Room (up to £13.90 21yrs+) in Wilberfoss
✨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. Real-life stories can showcase your expertise and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Inquire about their approach to professional development and how they support educators in growing their careers. This shows you're serious about your future with them.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Muddy Boots family right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Educator - Preschool Room (up to £13.90 21yrs+) in Wilberfoss
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning:When writing your application, let us know why you love outdoor learning and how it shapes your approach to early years education. Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for nature-based activities!
Align with Our Values:Make sure to reflect our core values — Heart, Excellence, Growth, Teamwork, and Responsibility — in your application. We want to see how you embody these values in your work and interactions with children and families.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you have experience in early years settings or hold a Level 3 qualification, shout about it! Detail your previous roles and how they’ve prepared you for this position at Muddy Boots.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
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. Prepare thoughtful ones that show your interest in the nursery's approach to education and team dynamics. For example, you could ask about opportunities for professional development or how the team collaborates to create a nurturing environment.
