Nursery Practitioner - Nurseries - 42272 - Grade 3

Position Details: Campus Services – Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK. Full time starting salary £25,977 to £27,506. Grade: 3. Full Time, Permanent. Closing date: 11th May 2026. Position based at The Oaks Day Nursery, Selly Oak.

Our Offer: Full‑time, permanent role with benefits including 40 days paid holiday per year, one paid day per year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. Flexible working arrangements are offered.

Pre‑appointment checks: The University will seek references from at least one referee prior to interview. Candidates must provide at least one referee we can contact immediately. Applicants invited to interview will be asked to disclose all past names for verification with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and safeguarding checks, and to bring documents to verify identity (e.g. birth certificate). 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, ensuring children are safe, happy, and stimulated while meeting their individual needs in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS). Light domestic duties may also be required, and you may be asked to work in different areas of the department or wider University to flexibly use resources.

Main Duties:

• Provide high quality, positive care for children through social, emotional, educational and practical interaction, nurturing and guidance.
• Follow policies and procedures and comply with the Children Act (2006), Health and Safety legislation, and Ofsted and EYFS requirements, maintaining confidentiality.
• Ensure children are kept safe, well, and that Child Protection Procedures are followed.
• Implement the key worker system to address individual needs of each child, their family and carers.
• Have an awareness of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice, undertake observation and assessment of children’s learning and development, keeping records up to date.
• 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.
• Plan, prepare and supervise activities such as arts and craft, cooking, reading, music, outdoor and physical activities, both indoors and out.
• Clean and maintain toys and equipment safely.
• 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 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 and agencies as appropriate.
• Implement the daily routine of the nursery.
• Participate in meetings.
• Follow nursery practices, processes and procedures, including positive behaviour management techniques.
• Learn about developments in childcare and undertake training as required.
• Ensure 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.
• Undertake other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience:

• Childcare and Education NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
• GCSE English Language and Maths or equivalent Level 1 qualifications.
• Strong attention to detail and a can‑do attitude.
• Experience 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 EYFS.
• Understanding of how to ensure health and safety and hygiene in a childcare setting.
• Understanding and commitment to Child Protection procedures.
• Physically and mentally suitable to care for children, including ability to deal with challenging behaviours.
• Ability to promote good practice professionally.
• Ability to communicate well and work with children and adults from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to write legibly and present information well.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively 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.
• Sound commitment to equal opportunities, inclusion and anti‑bias.

Dimensions: This role does not directly manage others and does not own a budget.

Planning and Organising: You will undertake a range of activities within the nursery allocated daily or by predetermined routines and frameworks. Tasks must be completed within the day or specific timeframes.

Problem Solving and Decision Making: Work within existing processes and procedures, referring to the Manager before making any changes to normal operating procedures.

Internal and External Relationships: Interact with children and carers/parents from a range of backgrounds and maintain high communication skills, working in partnership with carers.

DBS Required: All successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance before appointment.

Informal enquiries to Emily Grainger, email: e.grainger@bham.ac.uk