Nursery Practitioner - Nurseries - 103058 - Grade 3 in Birmingham

Elms Day Nursery

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £25,618 with potential progression once in post to £27,126.

Grade 3

Full time 35hrs

Closing Date: 14th May 2026

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment.
• Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important.

Find out more about the benefits of working for the University of Birmingham:

• 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

Job Summary:

The role of the Nursery Practitioner is to ensure that all children attending The Elms Day Nursery receive high quality care, are kept safe, and receive rich and stimulating play experiences which meet their individual needs and support all aspects and components of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. This role will entail light domestic duties as and when required in the playrooms.

Main duties:

• Provide high quality, positive care for babies and children from 6 weeks old to 5 years.
• Make sure the babies are kept safe, are well, and that Child Protection Procedures are followed.
• Implement the key worker system to address the individual needs of each child, family, and carers.
• Observe and keep records of the activities and progress of children.
• Complete parental inductions to liaise and ensure a smooth transition from home to nursery.
• Partner with parents/carers to keep them informed of their child’s day and progress.
• Organise, maintain and ensure a clean, tidy, hygienic, safe, child-friendly environment.
• Supervise activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, reading, music, and outdoor and physical activities.
• Maintain toys and equipment.
• Feed babies and ensure the nutritional needs of babies and children are met.
• Change nappies and help children with potty/toilet training.
• Help children to learn social, emotional, numeracy, language, and practical skills.
• Work with staff within the nursery to provide a high quality nursery service.
• Work with outside professional bodies or agencies as appropriate.
• 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, support equality, and value diversity.
• Undertake other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience:

• Childcare and Education NVQ Level 3
• GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above
• Experience in working with children from birth to 5 years and positive behaviour management
• Knowledge of developments in early years of education and willingness to undertake training
• Knowledge of legislation, regulations, inspection criteria, and curriculum relevant to Early Years.
• Understanding of how to ensure health and safety and hygiene in a childcare setting
• Understanding of and commitment to Child Protection procedures
• Suitability and ability to care for children, including the ability to deal with challenging behaviours.
• Ability to communicate well and work well with children and adults from diverse backgrounds.
• Reliable and punctual
• Ability to write legibly and present information well
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to learn and understand how diversity considerations affect early years’ childcare.
• Ability and willingness to take on duties as required

DBS:

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practices, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.