At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality care and support for children in a nursery setting.
- Company: Join The Sheffield College, a leader in education and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for childcare and willingness to learn; experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 26570 - 26570 £ per year.
Salary £26,570 per annum (pro‑rated for hours worked); 18hrs per week.
About Us
The Sheffield College is a further and higher education institution dedicated to providing academic, vocational, and professional qualifications to approximately 13,000 young people and adults annually. Our mission is to transform lives through learning, advocating for inclusivity and diversity at every stage.
About The Role
Working for our subsidiary company, Sparks Managed Services, as a Nursery Practitioner you will provide a nursery facility within The Sheffield College, offering a high standard of physical, emotional, social and intellectual care for children. You will work as part of a team to give an enabling environment in which all individual children can play, develop and learn.
Main Responsibilities
- Ensure the ethos, implementation and legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage are embedded within practice, working alongside the manager and staff team to fulfill the setting’s philosophy.
- Take an interest in children and families, treating them as individuals with respect and ensuring a high‑quality environment that meets individual needs and is aware of disabilities, family cultures and medical histories.
- Advise the manager/deputy of any concerns, such as with children, parents, or safety of the environment; preserve confidentiality as necessary.
- Provide support for children with special educational needs, liaising with senior staff to promote welfare and development; assist coordinators such as Senco and equal opportunities in their duties.
- Ensure children's and adults' safety by adhering to health and safety policies and procedures, including risk assessments, supervising children arriving/leaving, and visually checking equipment and resources.
- Gain experience in maintaining records required by Ofsted Registration legislation, including development records, observations, accidents, incidents and risk assessments.
- Obtain a Paediatric First Aid qualification and, once qualified, undertake duties within the Nursery approved code of practice.
- Ensure all work activities underpin the College’s commitment to safeguarding; act promptly on any concerns about a child/young person, recording and referring to the nursery DSL or DSD.
- Support trainees and students on placements by assisting, supporting and providing appropriate feedback to the Senior Nursery Worker.
- Record and report incidents related to allegations and report breaches of Child Protection and safeguarding policies and legislation.
From time‑to‑time these responsibilities may be reviewed so that they evolve as part of the college’s strategic growth and success. You may also be required to take on other tasks related to the job to support the College in the delivery of its strategic aims, without changing the role's main purpose.
Cross College Responsibilities
You may be required to participate in cross‑college teams and working groups on key projects and attend relevant internal committees.
Student Related Responsibilities
Any contact with children and young people must ensure they are safe; work with the Safeguarding Team to share concerns regarding students/apprentices in a timely, accurate manner. Support college open days, exam season student enrolment and other required events.
Other Responsibilities
- Understand and undertake specific responsibilities for the role as documented within Health and Safety policies and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with Data Protection Regulations.
- Support environmental sustainability and contribute to the college’s environmental strategy and net zero ambition.
What We Can Offer You
As the successful candidate, you will be offered a salary of £26,570 per annum (pro‑rated for hours worked) based upon a combination of the skills, knowledge and experience you bring to the role.
Our Benefits
- Enhanced pension contributions scheme with NEST – 3 %.
- Annual leave – 30 days (222 hours) plus 8 bank holidays (59.2 hours), including a discretionary Christmas closure period.
- Health and wellbeing services.
- Employee assistance programme through Bupa.
- Occupational Health through PAM.
- Free eye tests for VDU users.
- Free parking available at the majority of campuses.
Further information can be found on our Benefits and Career Development pages.
Disability Confident
We are a Disability Confident employer and are committed to removing barriers for applicants with a disability during our recruitment process, upon appointment and as an employee. Please review our Recruitment Guidelines for Disabled Candidates which provides further information on reasonable adjustments and how the Disability Confident scheme works in practice.
Armed Forces Covenant
As part of our commitment through the Armed Forces Covenant, we’re pledged to support the Armed Forces Community and recognise the value Personnel, Veterans and military families contribute to our community and country.
Safeguarding
We are an employer who is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students. Successful applicants will be required to have an enhanced DBS check and will be subject to safer recruiting procedures. Further details on our safer recruiting procedures, including the employment of ex‑offenders, can be found here Safeguarding.
Closing date 17th May 2026
Nursery Practitioner in Sheffield employer: onlyFE
Contact Detail:
onlyFE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Practitioner in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with children. They might know about openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to child care and safeguarding. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and get comfortable discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for early years education! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've supported children's development and created inclusive environments. This will help you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Practitioner in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see how much you care about providing a nurturing environment and supporting their development.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Nursery Practitioner role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our mission at The Sheffield College.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at onlyFE
✨Know Your Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles and requirements of the EYFS. Familiarise yourself with how these guidelines shape your role as a Nursery Practitioner, as this will show your commitment to providing high-quality care and education.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Inclusivity
During the interview, highlight your understanding of inclusivity and diversity. Share examples of how you've supported children from various backgrounds or those with special educational needs, demonstrating your ability to create an enabling environment for all.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and approach to safeguarding. Think about past experiences where you’ve had to handle sensitive situations, and be ready to discuss how you would ensure the safety and wellbeing of children.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the nursery’s philosophy, team dynamics, or professional development opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.