At a Glance
- Tasks: Create fun and inspiring experiences for children while supporting their development through play.
- Company: Join a caring and professional team at Sheffield Students' Union Nursery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Permanent position with a strong sense of community and belonging for families.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and help them thrive in a nurturing setting.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and a passion for early childhood education.
The predicted salary is between 24852 - 26649 £ per year.
Sheffield Students' Union Nursery is an inclusive, caring and professional team of educators who are passionate about the early years. We are looking for an enthusiastic Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to join our experienced and supportive team. We believe that early year's education lays the foundations for a lifetime of learning, confidence, and happiness.
Key duties in this role include:
- Creating fun, engaging, and inspiring experiences for children every day
- Supporting children's development and wellbeing through play-based learning
- Working closely as part of a caring and collaborative team
- Building positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues
- Helping to create a safe, nurturing, and exciting environment where every child can thrive
- Building a sense of community and belonging for all our families
Applications will be considered against the criteria outlined in the person specification and job description.
Contact: su-people@sheffield.ac.uk
Location: The University of Sheffield Students' Union
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £24,852 - £26,649 (based on £23,195 - £24,873 FTE)
Closing Date: Wednesday 24th June 2026 (11:59pm)
In-person Interviews/Assessments: Week commencing Monday 6th July 2026
Start Date: September 2026
Early Years Practitioner in Sheffield employer: Sheffield-Students
Sheffield Students' Union Nursery is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its staff and the children they serve. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and community, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners. Located within the vibrant University of Sheffield, this role offers a unique environment where passion for early years education is celebrated and nurtured.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's values and mission. When you walk into that interview, show us how your passion for early years education aligns with what we believe in. It’s all about creating that connection!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some fun, engaging activity ideas that you could implement in the nursery. We love creativity, so bring your A-game and demonstrate how you can inspire children through play-based learning.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your teamwork skills! We’re a collaborative bunch, so be ready to share examples of how you’ve worked well with others in the past. Highlighting your ability to build positive relationships is key.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Show us you’re genuinely interested in our community and how you can contribute to making it even better. Plus, it’s a great way to get a feel for our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about creating fun and engaging experiences for children, so share your personal stories or experiences that highlight this passion.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight your Level 3 qualifications and any relevant experience you have in supporting children's development and wellbeing through play-based learning.
Be Personable:We’re all about building positive relationships, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. Use a friendly tone and show us how you can contribute to our caring and collaborative team.
Follow the Instructions:Make sure to read the application guidelines carefully and submit everything as requested. Applying through our website is the best way to ensure your application gets to us, so don’t miss out on that step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheffield-Students
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the principles of early years education and how they apply to play-based learning. Brush up on the latest practices and theories, as well as the specific values of Sheffield Students' Union Nursery. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
During the interview, let your passion for working with children shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for creating engaging and inspiring experiences for kids. A genuine love for early years education can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Team Player Mindset
Since the role involves working closely with a collaborative team, be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully worked in teams before. Highlight your ability to build positive relationships with colleagues and parents, and share examples of how you’ve contributed to a supportive environment.
✨Create a Safe Space
Be ready to talk about how you would help create a safe and nurturing environment for children. Think about specific strategies you would implement to ensure every child feels valued and included. This shows that you understand the importance of community and belonging in early years education.
