Level 2 or Level 3 Qualified Early Years Practitioner

Job summary

Level 2 or Level 3 Qualified Early Years Practitioner - Oaks Nursery

£23,508 p.a.

35 hours per week

34 days’ annual leave (full-time equivalent).

Join Our Team as an Early Years Practitioner at Oaks Nursery!

Are you passionate about working with children from birth to five years?

Do you thrive in a nurturing and busy nursery environment?

Would you like to be part of a friendly, dedicated team making a real difference every day?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

We’re looking for a Qualified Early Years Practitioner to join our warm and experienced team at Oaks Nursery, based on the beautiful University of Kent campus.

You’ll be part of a well-established, supportive setting committed to providing outstanding care and inspiring learning opportunities for children from babies to pre-schoolers.

About the Role:

As an Early Years Practitioner, you will:

• Provide a high standard of care and early education in line with the EYFS
• Create a stimulating and inclusive environment for all children
• Observe, plan and assess children’s learning using Development Matters (2023)
• Contribute to regular summative assessments and developmental reports
• Build positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues

About You:

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Hold a recognised and relevant Early Years qualification (Level 2 or 3)
• Have recent experience working in a busy nursery or similar setting
• Demonstrate excellent knowledge of the EYFS and child development
• Be confident in using observations to support learning and development
• Be a proactive, caring, and enthusiastic team player

About Oaks Nursery:

Nestled in the heart of the University of Kent campus on Parkwood Road, Oaks Nursery is a well-established setting with an excellent reputation in childcare. We’re proud to be rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted (October 2022) and care for up to 90 children daily. Our families include university staff, Kent Union employees, and students.

You’ll be joining a passionate team of 30 dedicated professionals from nursery practitioners to support staff all working together to create a warm, nurturing environment for the children in our care.

Operational Duties – What you’ll be doing

• Providing High-Quality Care:
  Ensure all children are cared for in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that meets their physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
• Planning and Delivering Learning Opportunities:
  Use your knowledge of the EYFS and Development Matters (2023) to plan age-appropriate activities that support children's learning and development.
• Observations and Assessments:
  Regularly observe children, record progress, and complete summative assessments to inform planning and track development milestones.
• Promoting Positive Relationships:
  Build warm and trusting relationships with children, parents, and colleagues to create a positive and collaborative nursery environment.
• Safeguarding and Welfare:
  Follow safeguarding procedures and promote the health, safety, and well-being of all children at all times.
• Maintaining a Safe and Organised Setting:
  Ensure all areas of the nursery are clean, tidy, and well-prepared throughout the day. Assist with setting up and clearing away activities and resources.
• Team Collaboration:
  Work effectively as part of a team, contribute to meetings, and support colleagues across different age groups when needed.
• Key Person Role:
  Take on responsibility for a small group of children, developing individual care and learning plans and maintaining accurate records.
• Continuous Professional Development:
  Actively engage in ongoing training and professional development to enhance your skills and stay up to date with best practices.