Senior Early Years Educator (Maternity Cover)

Set in the peaceful surroundings of Wivenhoe Park on our Colchester Campus, Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery provides high-quality childcare for children aged three months to five years. We welcome children from the local community, as well as families connected to the University of Essex.

We are currently looking to recruit a qualified Senior Early Years Educator to join our friendly, diverse  and inclusive senior team.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 12 months, providing maternity cover for a permanent member of staff. You will work 38 hours per week across four days, between the Nursery’s operating hours of 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, with an allocated weekday off. Please note that the appointment may end earlier with one month’s notice if the permanent member of staff returns to their role before the end of the fixed-term period.

We are looking for someone with previous experience of leading a nursery room and managing and motivating a team of Early Years Educators. Working closely with the Deputy Manager and Early Years Practice Manager, you will help create an engaging and effective environment in which children are supported to develop, socialise and reach their full potential.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about the early years and value every child as an independent and unique learner. You will enjoy supporting children’s learning and development through a child-led approach, while inspiring and guiding your team to deliver high-quality care and learning experiences.

Qualifications and experience:

• NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, or an equivalent qualification
• Previous experience of leading and motivating a team within an early years or childcare setting
• Experience of working with children under five
• A sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team and use your own initiative

Benefits of working at Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery:

• Being part of a friendly and supportive senior team
• The flexibility to use your own ideas and initiatives to create an outstanding environment for children aged from three months to five years
• Support from the Deputy Manager and Early Years Practice Manager
• Beautiful outdoor spaces, including allotments, a nature garden and the wider University grounds
• The use of online learning journals
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Sick pay
• Regular free training and professional development days
• Opportunities to progress professionally
• Team-building events and celebrations

Please note that this vacancy is being advertised on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed weekly and interviews will take place regularly while the role remains open. We therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy at short notice if the position is filled early.

The salary for this role is £33,644.75 to £37,321.14 per year. Appointments are usually made at the beginning of the salary range, with progression depending on qualifications and experience.

Closing date: 14th December 2026