Qualified Nursery Practitioner (Lunch Cover)

Help little humans discover their world and keep growing in yours. As a Nursery Practitioner, you’ll help create the everyday moments that build children’s confidence, curiosity, and sense of belonging. At The Old Station Nursery, we believe everyone is still growing — little humans and big humans alike. As a Level 2 or Level 3 Qualified Nursery Practitioner at Newton Abbot, you’ll bring your skills, ideas, and care to a community where every child is known and every colleague has something meaningful to contribute. We’ll support you to develop your practice, share what you know, and feel proud of the difference you make.

Why Join Our Team?

• Childcare support: Free childcare for your first month, followed by a 52% discount based on your working hours.
• Time to recharge: 31 days of holiday, including national bank holidays, plus your birthday off and an extra day after 3 years of service.
• Space to grow: Access to The National College, with a library of courses and training to develop your practice and leadership.
• Connection to your community: One paid day each year to volunteer and support a cause that matters to you.
• Everyday support: With access to Perkbox, enjoy discounts on shopping, meals out, and everyday essentials, alongside wellbeing tools and online medical services.
• Recognition along the way: We celebrate the care and commitment you bring, with Employee of the Month recognition, long-service awards to mark your milestones, and referral bonuses for introducing friends or family to our team.

Pay: £13.06 - £13.24 per Hour based on experience

Hours: Part-time 15 hours over 5 days, Monday to Friday from 11am - 2pm

Location: hdc Nursery Newton Abbot, 31 Devon Square, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 2HH

Where You'll Be Working: Located in the historic market town, hdc Newton Abbot Nursery provides a nurturing and stimulating environment that offers the perfect start for your child’s learning journey. We offer a hygge-inspired environment to enable children to grow and be comfortable in homely surroundings. At our Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ nursery, the décor and room layouts are set to encourage togetherness and familiarity. The focus is on children’s interests; an adult helping hand is provided to promote extended learning and support development. The nursery is located on Devon Square in the centre of Newton Abbot, making it wonderfully central and only a short walk from the train station.

What You'll Be Doing: You’ll support children through play, care, and connection, getting to know their interests, noticing their progress, and helping them feel confident to try something new. Your role will include:

• Creating a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, valued, and free to be themselves.
• Planning and supporting engaging, play-based experiences aligned with the EYFS and shaped around children’s interests and needs.
• Observing children’s development, recording meaningful progress, and using what you learn to support their next steps.
• Building trusting relationships with families, sharing updates and listening to what matters to them.
• Supporting everyday routines, including meals, personal care, and rest, with patience and attention to each child.
• Keeping safeguarding, safety, hygiene, and children’s wellbeing at the heart of your work.
• Working closely with colleagues, sharing ideas, and offering guidance to apprentices and volunteers while learning from others.

Our values are simple: Own it. Be human. Make it happen. As a practitioner, that means following through with care, listening to children and colleagues, and turning good ideas into experiences that help children grow.

What We’re Looking For: You must hold a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to be considered for this role. You’ll also bring:

• An understanding of the EYFS and how children learn through play and everyday experiences.
• A caring, attentive approach that recognises each child’s individuality.
• Creativity and curiosity, with a willingness to follow children’s interests.
• Confidence building positive relationships with families and colleagues.
• A commitment to safeguarding and maintaining high standards of care.
• A collaborative approach, with openness to feedback and enthusiasm for your own learning.

We’re looking for someone who notices the little things, celebrates progress, and understands how much a caring, consistent adult can mean to a child. Please note: we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role. The Old Station Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, verification of your right to work in the UK, and any essential qualifications. If successful, our Onboarding Team will guide you through every step of the onboarding process. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be considered to support fairness and accessibility for all candidates. This role involves regulated activity with children.