Nursery Practitioners/Senior Nursery Practitioners
Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
Nursery Practitioners / Senior Nursery Practitioners
Locations: South Woodford (E18 2NN) & Woodford Green (IG8 0PN)
Salary: Up to £32,760.01 per annum plus performance-related bonus
Hours Available:
- 36 hours per week (8:00am-6:00pm across 4 days)
- 45 hours per week (8:00am-6:00pm across 5 days)
Join a Nursery Where Your Career Can Flourish
An exciting opportunity has arisen for passionate and dedicated Nursery Practitioners and Senior Nursery Practitioners to join a thriving and supportive early years setting across two East London locations.
We are seeking enthusiastic childcare professionals who are committed to providing exceptional care, education and learning experiences for young children. Whether you are an experienced Senior Practitioner looking for your next challenge or an aspiring Nursery Practitioner eager to develop your career, we would love to hear from you.
Applications are welcomed from candidates of all experience levels. A Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Childcare/Early Years is highly desirable.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a nursery that genuinely invests in its people, promotes from within and provides clear pathways for long-term career progression.
The Role
As a Nursery Practitioner or Senior Nursery Practitioner, you will play a key role in providing a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, develop and thrive.
Working within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, you will support the delivery of engaging learning experiences, promote children's development and wellbeing, and build strong partnerships with families.
For more experienced practitioners, there will be opportunities to take on additional responsibilities, mentor colleagues and support leadership within the nursery.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching and Learning
- Deliver engaging and inspiring learning experiences in line with the EYFS framework
- Support children through transitions and help them settle confidently into nursery life
- Plan and deliver age-appropriate activities that promote curiosity, exploration and development
- Take responsibility for key children and monitor their learning, attainment and progress against Early Learning Goals
- Observe, assess and accurately record children's development and achievements
- Set challenging yet achievable learning targets tailored to individual needs
- Differentiate learning opportunities to ensure all children are supported and challenged appropriately
- Support early literacy, communication, language development and phonics
- Create stimulating learning environments that encourage independence and confidence
- Work closely with colleagues to ensure high-quality learning experiences across the setting
Supporting Individual Needs
- Develop a strong understanding of each child's individual learning journey
- Support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- Support children with English as an Additional Language (EAL)
- Adapt approaches to ensure inclusion and equal opportunities for every child
- Work closely with the SENCO and wider support teams where required
Behaviour, Wellbeing and Safeguarding
- Create a safe, positive and welcoming environment where children feel valued and respected
- Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing through consistent expectations and role modelling
- Encourage independence, resilience and self-confidence
- Maintain high standards of care, safety and supervision
- Follow all safeguarding, welfare and child protection policies
- Report safeguarding concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Support the nursery's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children at all times
Partnership with Parents
- Build positive, professional relationships with parents and carers
- Provide regular updates regarding children's progress and development
- Encourage parental involvement in children's learning and development
- Support families during key transition periods
Teamwork and Professional Development
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, leadership teams and external professionals
- Attend staff meetings, training sessions and development opportunities
- Share best practice and contribute positively to the wider nursery community
- Act as a positive role model, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism
- Support and uphold the nursery's values, vision and culture
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Genuine passion for Early Years education and childcare
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent understanding of safeguarding responsibilities
- Ability to build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues
- Commitment to delivering outstanding care and educational outcomes
- Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Childcare, Early Years or equivalent
- Previous experience in a nursery, preschool or early years setting
- Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- Experience working as a Key Person
- Experience supporting children with SEND and EAL
Benefits
Salary & Rewards
- Competitive salary of up to £32,760.01 per annum
- Performance-related bonus of up to £2,000 per year
- Regular recognition and reward initiatives
Holiday Entitlement
- 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
- Additional 3 days leave for Christmas closure
- Additional birthday leave after successful completion of probation
- Up to 32 days annual leave entitlement overall (pro rata where applicable)
Wellbeing & Work-Life Balance
- Daily wellbeing breaks
- Up to 10 days full sick pay annually
- Regular team celebrations, social events and staff recognition
Career Development
- Extensive training and professional development opportunities
- Clear progression pathways
- Strong culture of internal promotion
Additional Benefits
- Full uniform provided
- Free local street parking available near both settings
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a nurturing, child-centred nursery environment where staff are valued, supported and encouraged to grow professionally.
Whether you are taking your first step into an Early Years career or looking to progress into a more senior position, you will be joining a team dedicated to providing outstanding early education and care.
Apply today or contact Aamir Malik to discuss further - (phone number removed) -
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