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- Tasks: Support children's development in a nurturing nursery environment and plan engaging activities.
- Company: Join UCL Day Nursery, a top-rated nursery within a world-leading university.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days holiday, a pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on young lives while working in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years and experience with children aged 0-5.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The UCL Day Nursery is a well-established, inclusive and nurturing setting located in the heart of UCL's historic Bloomsbury campus. Rated 'Good with Outstanding Features' by Ofsted, we provide high-quality care and early education for the children of UCL staff and students. We're now looking for passionate and professional Early Years Practitioners to join our team.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of the UCL community - one of the world's top universities
- Access training and professional development to support your growth
- Work in a diverse, vibrant and inclusive setting that values your contribution
- Contribute to a team that prioritises the wellbeing and happiness of every child
- One of the UK's most respected nurseries in a world-leading university setting.
For more about the UCL Day Nursery, visit: www.ucl.ac.uk/day-nursery
About the role
Our Nursery Educators are vital in ensuring the smooth running of the nursery, and provide the highest standards of physical, social, emotional, and intellectual care for all of the children at the facility, while ensuring the standard of care and education delivered meets legislative requirements of Ofsted and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In this role, you will act as a key worker for a small group of children with the responsibility to work in partnership with parents/carers encouraging them to participate in their child's development. You will play an active part in the day to day operations and organisations of the nursery within agreed policies and procedures and provide a safe, caring and stimulating environment within the Day Nursery, promoting good parent/staff relationships within the group.
As an Early Years Educator, you'll play a key role in providing a safe, caring and stimulating environment for children aged 0-5. You will:
- Act as a Key Worker to a group of children, planning and observing learning through play
- Deliver engaging, child-led activities aligned with the EYFS framework
- Build strong, respectful partnerships with parents and carers
- Promote a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where every child can thrive
- Support nursery routines, meal times, outdoor play, and learning across all nursery sites.
Please note, the working pattern for this role will be Monday - Friday, either 08.30-16.30 or 09.30-17.30, with a longer day on Thursdays to allow for all-staff meetings. This is a full-time fixed-term contract for a period of 12 months.
About you
Applicants will ideally hold a NNEB or NVQ level 3 Early Years and Education or equivalent, and strong experience of providing baby-care in a nursery environment. Candidates who have ample experience working in this field and hold a Level 2 qualification or equivalent may also be considered. A background working with SEN children in a Teaching Assistant/SEN Assistant capacity would be beneficial. Applicants should also have a proactive, imaginative and practical approach to planning and delivering an early years curriculum, excellent communication skills and a commitment to providing the highest level of service to parents and carers. Experience of working with Forest School and knowledge of Reggio Emilia concept is desirable, but not essential.
We're looking for someone who is energetic, compassionate and committed to delivering exceptional care and education. You'll need:
- A Level 3 qualification in Early Years and Education (NNEB/NVQ or equivalent)
- Proven experience in a nursery setting working with children 0-5
- A thorough understanding of EYFS, child development and safeguarding practices
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- A flexible and collaborative mindset
- Experience with Forest School or Reggio Emilia approaches, and confidence with Ofsted standards, are desirable but not essential.
Apply now if you're ready to make a meaningful impact on young lives and thrive in a dynamic university-based nursery, we'd love to hear from you. Please note, an enhanced DBS check is required for this role.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
For full details, see UCL Rewards and Benefits.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and - for Grade 9 and 10 roles - women.
Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL's policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy.
Early Years Educator (Full-Time) - 12 Months FTC employer: UCL
Contact Detail:
UCL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Educator (Full-Time) - 12 Months FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the UCL Day Nursery inside out! Familiarise yourself with their values, mission, and the specific needs of the children they care for. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about real-life examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills in early years education. Be ready to discuss how you've created engaging activities or built strong relationships with parents and carers. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the UCL community and contributing to their fantastic nursery environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Educator (Full-Time) - 12 Months FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through! We want to see how much you care about nurturing and developing young minds, so share your experiences and what drives you in this field.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Early Years Educator role. Highlight your relevant qualifications, experience, and any special skills that align with our values at UCL Day Nursery.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This helps us understand your qualifications and experiences without getting lost in unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us and is considered promptly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement it in your role as an Early Years Educator, and think of specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Child Development
During the interview, express your genuine enthusiasm for working with children aged 0-5. Share stories that highlight your commitment to their development and wellbeing, and how you've created engaging, child-led activities in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle various situations in a nursery setting. Think about challenges you've faced before and how you resolved them, especially in relation to safeguarding and inclusivity.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the nursery's approach to education and how they support staff development. This shows you're not only interested in the role but also in being part of their community.