SEN Support Early Years Educator - 3 days per week (up to £14.10) 21ys+ in York

Muddy Boots Nursery, Poppleton YO26 6QD

£13.70 – £14.10 per hour (age 21+)

Part-time (3-day week)

🌿 Looking for better work–life balance in early years? Join our award-winning outdoor nursery, where educators work a 3 or 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 Poppleton, 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 are looking for 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.

As a part-time SEN 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 inclusive, engaging learning experiences tailored to meet the individual needs of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), with a strong emphasis on outdoor play, sensory exploration and differentiated activities.
• Observing, assessing and supporting each child’s developmental progress, using appropriate SEN frameworks (e.g. EYFS, SEND Code of Practice) to inform next steps and targeted interventions.
• Acting as a key person, building strong, trusting relationships with children and their families, and working closely with parents/carers to support individual care and learning plans.
• Creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment that supports children’s emotional wellbeing, communication and independence.
• Working collaboratively with the nursery team and external professionals (such as speech and language therapists or educational psychologists) to ensure consistent, high-quality support.
• Taking responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, with a clear understanding of additional vulnerabilities and needs within an SEN context.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Holds a Level 3 Early Years qualification.
• Has experience of SEN.
• 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.

Why work at Muddy Boots? We know that when staff 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 £14.10 per hour.
• 3 or 4-day working week – 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.