Nursery Practitioner in Oxford

Early Years Practitioner (Level 2 or above)

Start Date: ASAP

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time / Part-time (all-year-round)

Age Range: 0-5 years

Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience and qualifications)

Location: Oxford's British Orchard Nursery

Perks we offer our team to make work a better place to be:

• Competitive salary, pension plan and enhanced holiday allowance.
• Additional day off for your Birthday!
• Free breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks available to all staff.
• Accredited training through our online training platforms.
• Regular wellbeing treats, staff rewards, and team events all year round.

Your Role

To provide high-quality, safe, and engaging early years provision that promotes all aspects of children's learning and development in line with the EYFS framework and Development Matters. To contribute to a nurturing, stimulating, and well-organised environment where children thrive, staff work collaboratively, and families feel supported and valued.

Key Responsibilities

Childcare & Learning

• Provide a safe, secure, and inclusive environment for all children.
• Support children's learning through in-the-moment planning, following their interests and developmental needs.
• Deliver engaging and meaningful learning experiences that promote curiosity, independence, and confidence.
• Ensure all interactions with children are warm, responsive, and developmentally appropriate.
• Work at the child's level, including floor-based play and outdoor learning in all weather conditions.

Safeguarding & Welfare

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of all children in line with nursery safeguarding policies.
• Maintain a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures and report concerns appropriately.
• Ensure all health, safety, and hygiene standards are consistently met.

Curriculum & Practice

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of the EYFS and apply it effectively in practice.
• Use observations to inform assessments and next steps, ensuring each child's progress is supported.
• Deliver a curriculum that reflects children's interests, cultural backgrounds, and individual needs.
• Contribute to the development of high-quality continuous provision.

Key Person Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for a key group of children.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records (e.g. Famly or equivalent).
• Observe, assess, and plan next steps in children's learning.
• Build strong relationships with parents/carers, providing regular feedback and updates.
• Support children's transitions, including inductions and settling-in processes.
• Prepare and share progress reports with families.

Teamwork & Professional Conduct

• Work collaboratively as part of a team to ensure the smooth running of the nursery.
• Support colleagues, students, and apprentices within the setting.
• Contribute positively to staff meetings and nursery development.
• Maintain a professional attitude and model positive behaviour at all times.
• Take initiative to maintain high standards across the nursery environment.

SEND Responsibilities

• Work closely with the SENCo to support children with additional needs.
• Contribute to the graduated response, including observations and targeted support strategies.
• Engage in training to strengthen understanding of early identification and intervention.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised environment, including shared spaces.
• Carry out daily risk assessments and report any concerns.
• Ensure resources and equipment are well maintained and used appropriately.

Partnerships & Communication

• Build strong, professional relationships with parents, carers, and external agencies.
• Communicate effectively and sensitively with families.
• Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive nursery community.

Professional Development

• Attend training, inset days, and professional development opportunities.
• Take responsibility for keeping knowledge up to date, particularly in Safeguarding, EYFS practice, Health & Safety.
• Actively engage in reflective practice and continuous improvement.

Person Specification:

Essential

• Full and relevant Level 2/3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Sound knowledge of the EYFS framework.
• Experience working in an early years setting.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and child welfare.

Desirable

• Experience with in-the-moment planning and forward planning.
• Experience supporting children with SEND.
• Knowledge of Tapestry or similar observation systems.

Safeguarding Statement

Oxford's British Orchard Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff are expected to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to:

• Enhanced DBS checks
• Suitable references
• Relevant employment checks

Our Ethos:

We pride ourselves on creating a family-like environment where:

• Children feel safe, valued, and inspired.
• Staff feel supported and empowered.
• High standards and continuous improvement are embedded in everyday practice.