At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's growth through play-based learning and build meaningful relationships.
- Company: YMCA Little Whale Nursery, a nurturing environment for children.
- Benefits: 100% childcare discount, generous leave, health support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to shaping children's futures.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while enjoying a flexible work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Level 2 or Level 3 Childcare qualification or relevant experience in education or care.
The predicted salary is between 25319 - 30945 £ per year.
Early Years Practitioner
YMCA Little Whale Nursery | Whale Island, Portsmouth
Full time | 40 hours per week | Usually worked across 4 days
A place where children thrive. A career where you can too.
There aren’t many careers where the moments you create today can shape a child’s future.
You could be there for a child’s first friendship, their growing confidence, or the discovery that sparks a lifelong love of learning.
You might help a child solve a problem, ask their hundredth question, or achieve something they’ve spent weeks trying to master.
That’s the impact of Early Years education.
At YMCA Little Whale Nursery, we’re looking for warm, patient, curious and caring people who want to help children learn, grow and thrive through play-based learning.
Whether you’re an experienced Early Years Practitioner, hold a Level 2 or Level 3 Childcare qualification, are working towards one, or are considering a career change, we’d love to hear from you.
Because while qualifications matter, the person behind them matters even more.
A working week with more room for life – our full-time Early Years Practitioners work 40 hours across four days, giving you:
- 4 working days
- 3 days off every week
More time for family, friends, hobbies and life outside work.
Part-time and job-share opportunities may also be available.
Welcome to Little Whale Nursery
Located at HMS Excellent on Whale Island, Portsmouth, Little Whale cares for children from babies to preschool age.
We support children from Armed Forces and local community families, creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, confident and ready to explore the world around them.
Children learn best when they’re actively engaged, curious and having fun. At Little Whale, learning might look like:
- Exploring nature outdoors
- Building, creating and problem-solving
- Investigating how things work
- Storytelling, role play and imaginative play
- Learning independence, resilience and social skills
Sometimes the best learning starts with a carefully planned activity. Sometimes it starts with a cardboard box. Both can be equally valuable.
As an Early Years Practitioner, you’ll
- Build warm and secure relationships with children
- Help every child feel that they belong
- Support children’s confidence, independence and emotional development
- Create engaging opportunities to learn through play
- Follow children’s interests and turn everyday experiences into opportunities for discovery
- Support communication, language and social development
- Encourage creativity, curiosity and problem-solving
- Provide exciting indoor and outdoor experiences
- Observe children’s development and use what you learn to support what comes next
- Build positive relationships with parents and carers
- Support children with different needs, experiences and starting points
- Work closely with colleagues and share ideas and good practice
- Maintain a safe, welcoming and inclusive nursery environment
- Keep children safe through excellent safeguarding and Early Years practice.
While you’ll work within the EYFS framework and complete observations and records, your focus will always be the children.
We welcome applications from
- Qualified Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Practitioners
- Those studying towards an Early Years qualification
- People with experience in education, SEND, youth work, healthcare, coaching, community services or care
Most importantly, we’re looking for people who are caring, dependable, curious and passionate about supporting children to reach their potential.
If you have the right values, we can support your development through training and apprenticeship pathways.
Benefits that make a difference
- 100% childcare discount
- Free childcare for YMCA employees at our nurseries.
- Extra support during school holidays
- One free week of YMCA Day Camps per child each year, plus 50% off a second week.
- Generous annual leave
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days.
- Option to buy up to 10 additional days
- Celebration Leave for a day that matters to you
- Health and wellbeing support
- Health Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced family leave
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- Gym discounts
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Career development
- Access to professional learning, specialist Early Years training and progression opportunities across YMCA Fairthorne Group.
Joining YMCA Little Whale Nursery is more than finding your next childcare job.
It’s an opportunity to shape children’s earliest experiences, develop your career in Early Years education, and be part of an organisation dedicated to helping children, young people and families belong, contribute and thrive.
If you’re looking for an Early Years Practitioner job in Portsmouth, a Nursery Practitioner role, or your first opportunity in childcare and Early Years education, we’d love to hear from you.
Safeguarding
YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Successful applicants will be required to complete appropriate safer recruitment and pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to creating an inclusive organisation where everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
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Early Years Practitioner in Portsmouth employer: YMCA Fairthorne Group
YMCA Whale Island is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a comprehensive benefits package including generous holiday allowances, health cash plans, and discounts on nursery fees. Our supportive work culture fosters community engagement and personal growth, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of families and children. Join us in a role where your contributions are valued and you can truly make a difference in the local community.
