Nursery Practitioner - Nurseries - 48307 - Grade 3

Overview

Nursery Practitioner – Nurseries – 48307 – Grade 3 at University of Birmingham

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary normally in the range £25,618 to £27,126
Grade: 3
Full Time, Permanent
Closing date: 22 September 2025

Role context

Role based at The Elms Day Nursery in Edgbaston, next to the University of Birmingham campus. The role is up to 35 hours per week in a private early years day nursery offering a range of benefits and development opportunities.

Role Summary

The Nursery Practitioner will ensure high quality care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, support their development through play and routines in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Light domestic duties may be required in the playrooms.

Main Duties

• Provide high quality, positive care for babies and children from 6 weeks to 5 years through social, emotional, educational, and practical interaction, nurturing, and guidance. Have a good understanding of developmental stages.
• Keep children safe and follow Child Protection Procedures.
• Implement the key worker system to address individual needs of each child, family, and carers.
• Observe and record activities and progress of children.
• Complete parental inductions to ensure smooth transition from home to nursery.
• Partner with parents/carers to keep them informed of their child’s day and progress.
• Maintain a clean, hygienic, safe, child-friendly environment.
• Supervise activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, reading, music, and outdoor and physical activities.
• Maintain toys and equipment.
• Meet nutritional needs of babies and children, including bottle preparation, weaning, and solid diet in line with Food Safety Regulations and NHS guidance.
• Change nappies and support toilet training as needed.
• Help children develop social, emotional, numeracy, language, and practical skills.
• Work with staff and external professionals to provide a high-quality nursery service.
• Follow daily routines and participate in meetings; adhere to nursery practices and procedures including positive behaviour management.
• Learn about developments in childcare and undertake training as required.
• Ensure health and safety of colleagues and children; promote dignity and respect and value diversity.
• Undertake other duties as required.
• Know your children.

Qualifications and Experience

• Childcare and Education NVQ Level 3.
• GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above.
• 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.
• Knowledge of legislation, regulations, inspection criteria, and EYFS curriculum.
• Understanding of health, safety and hygiene in childcare settings.
• Understanding of and commitment to Child Protection procedures.
• Suitability and ability to care for children, including handling challenging behaviours.
• Ability to communicate well with children and adults from diverse backgrounds.
• Reliable, punctual, able to work as part of a team, with good organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn how diversity considerations affect early years childcare.
• Ability and willingness to take on duties as required.

DBS and Safeguarding

The University is committed to safeguarding and safe recruitment. All pre-employment checks, including a satisfactory DBS clearance, will be undertaken prior to appointment. For informal enquiries please contact Selina Hunt or Sarah Perrott.

Benefits and Additional Information

• 40 days paid holiday per year
• One paid day per year for volunteering
• Two paid staff training days
• Occupational sick pay
• Discounted gym membership at the university sports centre
• Staff recognition scheme
• Staff discount on childcare
• Comprehensive induction to the nursery including EYFS
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to sustainable practices. See our staff values and behaviours on the University of Birmingham website.