Nursery Practitioner - Nurseries - 81100 - Grade 3

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £25,618 to £27,126

Grade: 3

Full Time, Permanent

Closing date: 16th February 2026

At the Maples 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.

The role of the Nursery Practitioner is to ensure that all children attending The Maples 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.

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 babies and children from 6 weeks old to 5 years through social, emotional, educational, and practical interaction, nurturing, and guidance.
• 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 via a variety of stages from preparation of bottles, weaning to full solid diet that complies with Food Safety Regulations and NHS Guidance.
• 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.
• Know your children.

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
• 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 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.

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.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life.