Early Years Practitioner - Grade 2 in Bradford

Early Years Practitioner - **Internal applicants only**

Directorate of People and Culture

Salary: £25,354per annum pro rata, Fixed term till 19/04/2027

18.25 compressed over 2-days (Monday 07:30-17:30 and Tuesday 08:15-18:00)

PostType: Part Time

ContractType: Fixed Term

ClosingDate: Sunday 20 September 2026

InterviewDate: To be confirmed

Reference: HR0202851

This job is only available to University of Bradford staff. It may be released externally should we not appoint internally.

At the University of Bradford, our focus is on creating the conditions for social, cultural, and economic impact. We are committed to social inclusion. Our work to expand opportunity and enable students to reach their potential, has led to us topping the Social Mobility Index of English universities for the last five years. Our University Strategy sets out our ambitions for 2025, which we will achieve by using our proud heritage as a springboard and remaining steadfast in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Safeguarding

The University of Bradford is committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and Adults at Risk through robust safer recruitment practices. An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

Directorate

The University of Bradford Nursery sits within the Directorate of People, Culture and Wellbeing and provides high-quality education and care for children aged from birth to five years. Our inclusive nursery curriculum supports every child to learn, develop and thrive within a safe and stimulating environment, underpinned by the University’s values of Excellence, Trust, Innovation and Inclusion.

What you will be doing:

Working under the direction of the Room Leader, Senior Early Years Practitioner and Management Team, you will:

• Support the delivery of the Statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and nursery curriculum.
• Take responsibility for a key group of children, supporting and monitoring their care, learning and development in partnership with parents and carers.
• Undertake observations and assessments of children’s progress, contributing to planning and supporting their individual next steps.
• Help provide a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment that encourages children to be independent, self-motivated and eager to learn.
• Build positive and professional relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Support children’s personal care and wellbeing while maintaining high standards of safeguarding, health, safety and hygiene.
• Work flexibly as part of the nursery team and undertake relevant training and professional development.

Qualifications/ experience:

We particularly welcome applications from candidates who hold a full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification.

You will need:

• English GCSE at Grade A*-C/9-4, Level 2 or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience of working with children aged from birth to five years.
• Awareness of the Statutory Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities within an early years setting and the ability to act appropriately.
• Awareness of observation, recording and assessment procedures.
• Good communication skills and experience of working effectively as part of a team.
• An understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion.

A full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification is desirable, alongside a current Paediatric First Aid certificate, safeguarding training, a Food Hygiene certificate and knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Celebrating Diversity – The University of Bradford

Within our nursery we have a widely diverse staff team but there is a low representation of males, therefore we welcome applications from individuals who represent this category alongside all other applications which we consider equally.

At the University of Bradford, we recognise and embrace people that work in diverse ways so if you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.

• 25 days holiday and 13 statutory and customary days (taken at Easter and Christmas).
• Family-friendly policies
• Great campus facilities including:
• Eye clinic
• Physiotherapy & sports rehabilitation,
• Counselling & mental health services
• Food & drink outlets
• Generous employer contribution pension schemes
• Generous benefit schemes, including car leasing, cycle to work, holiday purchase, home & technology scheme and shopping discounts

Confronting Inequality : Celebrating Diversity

At the University of Bradford we accept people for who they are regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, marital status, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation or socio-economic background and whether you’re pregnant or on maternity leave.

In line with the University’s commitment to equality charters including Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter, Disability Confident and Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme, we welcome applications from people identifying with these characteristics. The University has a number of staff networks which provide peer support and safe spaces for staff who hold these and other identities.