Early Years Practitioner in School Nursery

We are looking for an experienced full time Early Years Practitioner to join our Nursery team. The ideal candidate will support the learning, development, and well-being of children in our Nursery through engaging, hands-on learning experiences that promote independence, creativity, curiosity, and confidence. They will help create a nurturing and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to explore, problem-solve, and develop essential life skills through play-based learning. We will need you to lead our wrap-around care for our Nursery children. Your working hours will be from 11:30am to 6:15pm each day.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and delivering practical, child-led, and play-based learning activities.
• Encourage children to explore, investigate, and learn through hands-on experiences both indoors and outdoors.
• Support the development of early literacy, numeracy, communication, and social skills through creative activities.
• Promote independent learning by encouraging children to make choices, solve problems, and complete age or ability-appropriate tasks on their own.
• Observe and respond to children’s interests, adapting activities to meet individual learning needs.

Creating an Engaging Learning Environment

• Help maintain a safe, welcoming, and stimulating classroom environment.
• Set up and organise learning areas that encourage exploration, creativity, and independent access to resources.
• Support activities involving art, construction, sensory play, role play, gardening, cooking, and other experiential learning opportunities.
• Ensure resources are accessible and invite children to take ownership of their learning.

Supporting Children’s Development

• Foster children’s confidence, resilience, and self-esteem through positive encouragement.
• Model and promote positive behaviour, cooperation, and respect for others.
• Support children’s emotional well-being and help them develop self-regulation skills.
• Encourage creativity, imagination, and critical thinking through open-ended questioning and discussion.
• Have high expectations of language and oracy skills, ensuring that these are modelled at all times.

Observation and Assessment

• Observe children’s progress and contribute to assessment records in line with EYFS requirements.
• Share observations with teachers and parents when appropriate.
• Identify and support children who may require additional assistance or intervention.

Safeguarding and Welfare

• Follow all safeguarding, health and safety, and child protection policies and procedures.
• Ensure the welfare and safety of all children at all times.
• Support children with personal care needs where required.

Teamwork and Communication

• Work collaboratively with teachers, colleagues, and families to support children’s learning and development.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Contribute ideas for enriching the learning environment and curriculum experiences.

Safeguarding Statement

Plumcroft Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, online check, satisfactory references, and right to work in the UK. We follow safer recruitment procedures and expect all staff to adhere to our child protection policies and report any concerns.

Equal Opportunities

Plumcroft Primary School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.