At a Glance
- Tasks: Create fun and engaging activities for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.
- Company: Join YMCA St James’s Road Nursery, a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Earn £12.36 per hour, plus a £1,000 bonus after 6 months!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in childcare and a passion for working with kids.
- Other info: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, wellbeing support, and career progression opportunities.
Salary: £12.36 per hour
Base: YMCA St James’s Road Nursery, Dudley, DY1 3JD
Successful applicants will receive a £1,000 payment after they have been in the role for 6 months. To be eligible for a payment, you must either:
- Not have worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months but on a temporary contract
We are looking for a Level 3 qualified Nursery Practitioner at our Nursery where we offer childcare places for children 6 weeks‑5 years old, and provide a welcoming environment where families feel valued and can obtain positive support.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to promoting good practice and maintaining a high-quality provision
- Complete observations, planning, and prepare a variety of learning-enriched activities for your key group using the Early Years Foundation Stage
- Offer support and guidance to parents/carers enabling them to extend their own skills, and by boosting their confidence and self-esteem, ensure the emotional wellbeing of their child
You will be an efficient Level 3 qualified nursery practitioner, ideally with experience of planning and implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and be motivated and passionate about working with children and their families, striving to provide a safe and stimulating learning environment for children to grow and develop.
Benefits
- 24/7 Confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Wellbeing Support
- Access to our IMHR Plus online portal, offering discounts at major brands and retailers
- 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays, and an increase based on length of service
- SimplyHealth cash plan (e.g. dental care, physiotherapy, diagnostic consultation, tests, scans and more)
- Staff discounts for childcare at our YMCA nurseries, YGym membership, and Coffee at the Clock purchases
- Life Assurance scheme
- Ongoing opportunities for CPD and various career progression routes
Successful applicants must complete an enhanced DBS check before taking up the role.
Application Information
Closing Date: 19th November 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy before this date should we receive sufficient applications. Please apply by submitting a YMCA Application form as soon as possible to ensure you are considered. You can email hr.recruitment@ymcabc.org.uk for an application form or further support. We do not accept CVs.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Therefore, we encourage and support the recruitment, retention and career development of people from as wide a range as possible of ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds. YMCA BCG is a trauma-informed organisation; we recognise and understand the widespread impact of trauma on individuals to shape policies, practices, and culture. We are sensitive and responsive to the needs of those who have endured trauma to prevent its recurrence among clients and staff.
Nursery Practitioner in Dudley employer: YMCA BCG
Contact Detail:
YMCA BCG Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Practitioner in Dudley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll past the YMCA St James’s Road Nursery and soak in the vibe. Understanding their environment will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do a mock interview. Focus on common questions for nursery practitioners, like how you’d handle a challenging behaviour or support a child's development. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your passion for working with children.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience with the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Include examples of activities you've planned and implemented. This tangible evidence can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Don’t forget to submit your application as soon as possible. The sooner you apply, the better your chances are of landing that role. Plus, it shows you're proactive and eager to join the YMCA family!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Practitioner in Dudley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to check out our website and learn about our values and what we stand for. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit into our team at YMCA.
Show Your Passion: When filling out the application form, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through! Share specific examples of your experience and how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Make sure your answers are straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Nursery Practitioner role.
Submit Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply! The sooner you submit your application, the better your chances are of being considered. Remember, we might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA BCG
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Brush up on your knowledge of child development and be ready to discuss how you would implement engaging activities for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for kids and their families.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about specific situations you might face as a Nursery Practitioner. Think about how you would handle challenges like supporting a child’s emotional wellbeing or engaging parents in their child's learning. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer. This shows your interest in the role and the nursery. You might ask about their approach to professional development or how they support staff wellbeing, which aligns with the benefits they offer.