Nursery Practitioner - Campus Services - 81100 - Grade 3 in Birmingham

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £25,977 to £27,506

Grade: 3

Full Time, Permanent

Closing date: 16th June 2026

We will be shortlisting and interviewing candidates throughout the duration of this advert and reserves the right to close the post early if we make an appointment. You are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.

Our offer to you

People are at the heart of what we are and do. The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success.

We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector-leading Birmingham Professional programme which provides all professional services staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential. With almost 5,000 professional services jobs in a wide range of functions in Edgbaston and in our campus in Dubai, there are plenty of opportunities for you to be able to develop your career at the University.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work.

Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working. In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including:

• 40 days paid holiday a year
• 1 paid day a year for volunteering
• Occupational sick pay
• Pension scheme
• Three high quality subsidised day nurseries

The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus, including main bus routes and a train station on site. On campus we have a state-of-the-art sports centre with pool, shops, places to eat and drink, our own art gallery, museum and botanical gardens.

Background

At the Elms we work with children, parents, external agencies and the community to ensure the welfare and safety of children to give them the very best start in life. Children have the right to be treated with respect, be helped to thrive and be safe from any abuse in whatever form.

Pre-appointment checks

In line with recommendations and regulations relating to Early Years safeguarding and recruitment, please note that for this role:

• The University will seek references from at least one referee prior to interview. Candidates must therefore provide at least one referee whom we can contact immediately.
• Candidates invited to interview will be asked to disclose all past names, for the sole purpose of verifying identity for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and safeguarding checks.
• All successful candidates will be required to undergo a DBS check covering all names used.

Role Summary

You will provide high quality care, learning and development for all children attending the Nursery. You will ensure that children are safe, happy and stimulated with their individual needs met, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS). You will also carry out light domestic duties.

This role as a Nursery Practitioner is working up to 35 hours per week for a private early years day nursery based in leafy Edgbaston, next to the University of Birmingham campus offering excellent public transport links. You will receive a generous package of benefits including:

• 40 days paid holiday a year
• 1 paid day a year for volunteering
• 2 paid staff training days
• Occupational sick pay
• Discounted gym membership at the new sports centre
• Recognition scheme
• Staff discount on childcare
• An in-depth induction to the nursery including EYFS
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

Main Duties

• Provide high quality, positive care for children through social, emotional, educational and practical interaction, nurturing and guidance.
• Follow the policies and procedures and comply with the Children Act (2006), Health and Safety legislation and within the requirements of Ofsted and the Early Years Foundation Stage, including ensuring confidentiality is maintained.
• Implement the key worker system to address the individual needs of each child, their family and carers.
• Undertake observation and assessment of children’s learning and development, helping ensure records are kept up-to-date, of a high standard and shared effectively.
• Organise, maintain and ensure a clean, tidy, hygienic, safe, child-friendly environment.
• Plan, prepare and supervise activities such as arts and craft, cooking, reading, music, outdoor and physical activities both indoors and out.
• Feed babies and young children ensuring their nutritional needs are met, complying with Food Safety Regulations.
• Change nappies and support children with potty training and toileting.
• Help children to learn social, emotional, numeracy, language and practical skills.
• Work with staff within the nursery to provide a high quality nursery service.
• Implement the daily routine of the nursery.
• Participate in meetings.
• Follow the nursery’s practices, processes and procedures.
• Learn about developments in childcare and undertake training as required.
• Ensure the health and safety of colleagues and children, complying with all Health and Safety requirements.
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect, supporting equality and valuing diversity.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Childcare and Education NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
• GCSE English Language and Maths or equivalent Level 1 qualifications
• Experience of working with children from birth to 5 years and positive behaviour management
• Knowledge of developments in early years education and willingness to undertake training
• Sound knowledge of legislation, regulations, Ofsted requirements, inspection criteria and the Early Years Foundation Stage
• Understanding of how to ensure health and safety and hygiene in a childcare setting
• Ability to communicate well and work well with children and adults from diverse backgrounds
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• A sound understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities, inclusion and anti-bias

Dimensions

This role does not directly manage others. This role does not own a budget.

Planning and organising

You will undertake a range of activities within the Nursery that are allocated on a daily basis or by pre-determined routines and frameworks.

Problem solving and decision making

You will work within existing processes and procedures, with an expectation to refer to the Manager before making any changes to Normal Operating Procedures.

Internal and external relationships

You will interact with children and carers/parents from a range of backgrounds and will need to have a high level of communication skills to provide quality care, learning and development for all children attending the nursery, and to work in partnership with carers/parents.

DBS required

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.