At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and nurture young minds while applying the Storal curriculum.
- Company: Join Ickle Pickles Nursery, a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Up to £13.30 per hour, performance bonuses, 50% childcare discount, and wellness days.
- Other info: Embrace your unique self and grow with us in a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and enjoy a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience with all age groups.
The predicted salary is between 27600 - 27600 € per year.
Nursery: Ickle Pickles Nursery School, 1 School Mews, Iwade, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8UW
Hours: Full Time, Monday - Friday
Salary: Up to £13.30 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits: Performance related bonus, 50% childcare discount, wellness day and much more. £500 Welcome Bonus.
Remarkable Futures Start Here
At Ickle Pickles, we pride ourselves on providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child is supported to learn and grow at their own pace. Our experienced team brings a wealth of early years knowledge and insight, and we know that each child has their own unique journey. We’re proud to have our own Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) who works closely with both families and practitioners to identify and support additional needs. This personalised approach is supported further by our parent forum committee, ensuring open communication, shared celebrations, and meaningful partnerships with families.
Our children spend dedicated time outdoors, engaging with nature through a variety of rich and inspiring activities. Mealtimes are a special part of the day—children enjoy healthy, nutritious meals together in our warm, central dining space. We also embrace cultural celebrations through themed menus, offering new flavours and learning opportunities.
As part of the Kingsferry Collaboration, we share best practices, solve challenges together, and support each other to continually deliver the highest standards of care and education.
About the role:
As a Nursery Practitioner you will be a key part of keeping our children safe, loved and inspired to learn. Key activities include:
- Applying the Storal curriculum & our pedagogy principles to our children daily
- Seeking out learning opportunities in everyday routines such as mealtimes & transitions
- Bonding with your children and their families by engaging in meaningful moments
About you:
- A true love for child development and care
- Able and willing to work in a team
- Ability to communicate effectively with management, your peers and parents
- High levels of care and empathy that every opportunity can be a learning opportunity
- Knowledge of the EYFS framework
Must haves:
- Early Years qualification at Level 3
- Experience working with all age groups within Early Years
Why work for us:
Benefits at a glance:
- Enhanced holidays, paid sick pay, extra wellness day off (yearly) and accessing your pay before payday with PayCaptain
- Childcare Discount + Funding, compassionate leave & enhanced maternity (and more)
- Partnerships with Vitality & Peppy; fertility & menopause support, gym discount, free movie tickets and more
- Investing in your future: Micro-learning, financial stability tools & Storal Support Fund
- Growing together: Termly inset days, team app & Storal Awards gathering.
Enhanced DBS check and subscription to the DBS Update Service. We partner with world-leading third parties such as Pay Captain, Vitality, and Peppy. We care about our people.
Curious to know more? We’d love to tell you more about what makes Ickle Pickles so special. Storal is the highest of standards when it comes to safeguarding, the welfare of children and creating a work environment that encourages feedback, discussion, and resilience. We take our role in the safety of children, our families and our team extremely seriously. As governed by the EYFS, we have a designated safeguarding lead in each setting and all staff (and volunteers) complete thorough compliance checks prior to employment including employment references & DBS.
Early Years Practitioner in Sittingbourne employer: Storal GR Limited
Ickle Pickles Nursery School is an exceptional employer that fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment for both children and staff. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, we offer competitive benefits such as a performance-related bonus, generous childcare discounts, and wellness days, alongside opportunities for professional growth within the supportive Storal community. Our commitment to high-quality early years education, combined with a vibrant work culture that celebrates individuality, makes Ickle Pickles a rewarding place to build your career in early childhood development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner in Sittingbourne
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, check out Ickle Pickles' website and social media. Familiarise yourself with their values and approach to early years education. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to child development and care. Think about your experiences and how they align with the nursery's ethos. We want to hear your passion for nurturing young minds!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! At Ickle Pickles, they value uniqueness. Don’t be afraid to let your true self shine during the interview. Whether it’s your quirky hobbies or your approach to teamwork, share what makes you, you!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a fantastic fit for the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner in Sittingbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Keep Your CV Fresh:Before you dive into the application, make sure your CV is up to date. Highlight your Early Years qualifications and any relevant experience that shows your passion for child development.
Read the Job Specs Carefully:Take a good look at the job description and requirements. Tailor your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for at Ickle Pickles.
Show Your Unique Self:We love individuality! Don’t be shy about showcasing what makes you unique in your application. Whether it’s your quirky hobbies or your approach to childcare, let your personality shine through.
Apply Through Our Website:When you're ready to apply, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details!
How to prepare for a job interview at Storal GR Limited
✨Know Your EYFS Framework
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework before your interview. Being able to discuss how you apply its principles in your previous roles will show that you’re not just familiar with it, but that you can effectively implement it in a nursery setting.
✨Show Your Passion for Child Development
During the interview, let your genuine love for child development shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported children's learning and growth in past roles. This will help the interviewers see that you truly care about making a difference in their lives.
✨Engage with the Nursery's Values
Familiarise yourself with Ickle Pickles' values and approach to early years education. Be ready to discuss how your personal philosophy aligns with their nurturing and inclusive environment. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their approach to outdoor learning or how they support staff development. It demonstrates your interest in the role and helps you assess if this is the right fit for you too.