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- Tasks: Engage with children through play, stories, and activities to support their development.
- Company: Join Ormiston Families, a leading charity dedicated to supporting children and families.
- Benefits: Enjoy free parking, company sick pay, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Must have a full and relevant level 3 qualification or equivalent.
- Other info: Fixed-term maternity cover role with excellent opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 19500 - 29500 £ per year.
Ormiston Families, trading as Play Out Nursery, is one of the leading charities working with children, young people, and families in the East of England. We take early and preventative action to support families to be safe, healthy, and resilient.
We are looking for an enthusiastic Nursery Practitioner who wants to be involved in looking after all aspects of a young child’s development. You will play a vital role in helping children to grow socially and emotionally as well as supporting all aspects of their physical and cognitive development.
The role involves being hands-on with the children in the setting (ranging from babies to pre-schoolers), joining in with play, reading stories, singing songs, and being alongside the children in their day-to-day activities. Your role will also involve developing a relationship with the parents and carers of the children and being able to talk to them about all aspects of their child’s day in nursery.
As part of the team, you will also be involved in planning activities for the children in your care and maintaining health and hygiene standards as you go about your daily tasks.
Do you have a passion for looking after and developing children and do you have a full and relevant level 3 qualification or equivalent? Then come and join our supportive team here at Play Out; we can offer you free parking, company sick pay, and an employee discount scheme amongst other benefits.
Based – Play Out Nursery in Ipswich
Salary: £24,570 (Real Living Wage)
We are looking for Fixed-term Maternity Cover working 37.5 hours over 4 days per week 8am to 6pm (9 months).
For further information and to apply please visit our Work With Us page via our Ormiston Families website.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 23rd February 2026
Safeguarding and DBS requirements for your role:
Ormiston Families is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
We are an equal opportunities employer; we value diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Nursery Practitioner - Play Out - Fixed-Term Maternity Cover (9 month contract) in Ipswich employer: Ormiston Families
Contact Detail:
Ormiston Families Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Practitioner - Play Out - Fixed-Term Maternity Cover (9 month contract) in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take some time to research Play Out Nursery. Familiarise yourself with their values and approach to child development. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to share your experiences! Think about specific examples from your past roles where you've made a positive impact on children's development. Whether it’s a fun activity you planned or a challenge you overcame, having these stories at the ready will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for childcare! During your interview, let your enthusiasm shine through. Talk about why you love working with children and how you can contribute to their growth. A genuine passion can be just as important as qualifications!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re keen and professional. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Practitioner - Play Out - Fixed-Term Maternity Cover (9 month contract) in Ipswich
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 your genuine interest in supporting their development and how you can contribute to our nurturing environment.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and qualifications that match the job description. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Be Personal: In your cover letter, share a bit about yourself and why you want to join our team at Play Out. We appreciate a personal touch, so feel free to include any experiences that have shaped your approach to childcare.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our Work With Us page on the Ormiston Families website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ormiston Families
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Nursery Practitioner inside out. Familiarise yourself with child development theories and practices, as well as the specific values and mission of Ormiston Families. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for nurturing young minds. This is a hands-on role, so demonstrating your passion for play and development will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations with children or parents. Think about examples from your past experience where you successfully managed challenges or created engaging activities. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your approach clearly during the interview.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the nursery's approach to child development or how they support their staff. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right environment for you.