At a Glance
- Tasks: Support high-quality early years practice and mentor colleagues in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Shooting Stars Nursery, a supportive and well-resourced nursery.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 50% childcare discount, generous holidays, and funded training.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with clear career progression and monthly recognition events.
- Why this job: Develop your leadership skills while making a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience in a children's day nursery.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Job Description Senior Nursery Practitioner (Level 3) – Full Time | Leadership Opportunity
Location: Shooting Stars Nursery, Hinckley, LE10 1AD
Salary: £14.60 per hour
Hours: Full‑time | 40 hours per week
Are you an experienced Level 3 Early Years Practitioner ready to take the next step in your career? At Shooting Stars Nursery Hinckley, we’re proud to offer a supportive, well‑resourced environment where experienced practitioners are truly valued. We’re now looking for a Senior Nursery Practitioner to work alongside our Room Leader, supporting high‑quality practice, mentoring colleagues and helping shape an outstanding Early Years experience for children and families. This role is ideal if you’re confident in the EYFS, passionate about child‑centred care, and ready to develop your leadership skills without stepping away from hands‑on practice.
Your Role as Senior Nursery Practitioner
You’ll play a key role in maintaining high standards across the room while supporting the Room Leader & development of others. You will:
- Support the Room Leader in delivering outstanding EYFS‑led practice
- Act as a Key Person, building strong, trusting relationships with children and families
- Lead, support and inspire colleagues, students and apprentices
- Contribute to planning engaging, inclusive activities aligned with children’s interests
- Maintain high‑quality observations, assessments and learning journeys
- Promote a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment at all times
- Support children with SEND, working alongside external professionals where required
- Contribute to Ofsted readiness, reflective practice and continuous improvement
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a skilled and committed professional who brings confidence, warmth and leadership to the nursery team. You’ll need:
- Level 3 Early Years qualification (full & relevant)
- Proven experience in a children’s day nursery
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and child protection
- Experience supporting children with SEND
- Confidence in guiding, mentoring and supporting others
- A genuine passion for high‑quality, child‑centred early years practice
Why Join Shooting Stars Hinckley?
We know experienced practitioners stay where they feel supported, respected and able to grow. Our benefits include:
- Competitive hourly pay with annual salary & benefits reviews
- 50% childcare discount
- Generous paid holiday allowance that increases with service
- Funded training, CPD and clear career progression pathways
- Flexible employment contracts to support work‑life balance
- Mental Health First Aid support & Employee Assistance Programme
- Free uniform and enhanced DBS
- Dedicated staff break room with snacks
- Monthly GEM Awards, team socials and annual recognition events
Safeguarding Commitment
Shooting Stars Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and relevant pre‑employment checks. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and applicants must disclose all convictions, including those regarded as spent.
Senior Nursery Practitioner in Hinckley employer: My Shooting Stars Nurseries
Contact Detail:
My Shooting Stars Nurseries Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Nursery Practitioner in Hinckley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in person! If you get the chance, ask to visit the nursery or arrange an informal chat with the team. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your passion for child-centred care and leadership in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on EYFS guidelines and current best practices. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported colleagues and children, especially those with SEND. We want to see your hands-on experience shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Shooting Stars family. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Nursery Practitioner in Hinckley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for child-centred care shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in children's lives and how that aligns with our values at Shooting Stars Nursery.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in early years practice. We’re looking for someone who knows the EYFS inside out, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills and achievements that relate directly to the role.
Be Authentic: We love genuine personalities! Don’t hesitate to let your true self come through in your application. Share your unique approach to mentoring and supporting colleagues, as well as your ideas for creating an engaging environment for children.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Shooting Stars Nursery.
How to prepare for a job interview at My Shooting Stars Nurseries
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented EYFS-led practice in your previous roles and how you can support the Room Leader in maintaining high standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Nursery Practitioner, you'll need to inspire and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided colleagues or supported students in the past. Highlight your confidence in leading a team while still being hands-on with the children.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Child-Centred Care
During the interview, convey your genuine passion for providing high-quality, child-centred care. Share specific instances where you've built strong relationships with children and families, and how you've tailored activities to meet their interests and needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges, especially regarding SEND support. Think about past experiences where you've worked alongside external professionals and how you ensured a nurturing environment for all children.