Early Years Educator

Early Years Educator – Join the Smiles Nursery Team!

A little imagination. A lot of heart. A career full of Smiles.

Are you happiest building a magnificent block tower, exploring the garden or sharing a story with an enthusiastic little audience? Do you love those wonderful moments when a child tries something new and proudly says, “I did it!”?

At Smiles, we’re looking for a caring, enthusiastic Early Years Educator who brings warmth, creativity and a real passion for helping children thrive.

Our nursery is a place for curiosity, laughter and discovery. We want every child to feel safe, valued and excited to learn—and we know that great educators make that happen.

Your role

No two days are quite the same! As part of our nursery team, you will:

• Create inspiring opportunities for children to learn through play, following their interests and encouraging their ideas.

• Bring stories, songs, messy play and outdoor adventures to life.

• Build trusting relationships as a key person, helping children feel secure and supporting their individual development.

• Celebrate children’s progress and use your observations to plan meaningful next steps.

• Work closely with parents and carers, sharing achievements and building strong partnerships.

• Support children’s wellbeing, daily routines and growing independence with patience and kindness.

• Help create an inclusive environment where every child can participate and flourish.

• Keep safeguarding at the heart of your practice.

• Share ideas, support your colleagues and contribute to a happy, welcoming nursery.

We’d love to meet you if you…

• Hold a recognised Level 3 qualification in Early Years.

• Understand the Early Years Foundation Stage and how young children learn.

• Are warm, dependable and enthusiastic, with a playful approach and a professional attitude.

• Notice the little things, listen carefully and respond sensitively to children’s needs.

• Enjoy working as part of a team and building positive relationships with families.

• Take pride in your practice and are keen to keep learning.

• Believe that a muddy adventure, a thoughtful conversation and a comforting cuddle can all be valuable parts of a child’s day.

Why join Smiles?

You’ll join a nursery team that values kindness, teamwork and the difference you make each day. We welcome fresh ideas, encourage colleagues to share their strengths and care about creating a place where both children and educators can thrive.

Whether your talent is storytelling, creative play, exploring nature or helping a quieter child find their confidence, we’d love you to bring it to Smiles.

Location: Sapcote
Hours: 38 hrs PW 07.30 - 18.00 across 4 days 
Salary: 13.00 - 14.50 per hour

Ready to help little people do big things?

Send your CV to [application email], along with a few words about yourself and what you love about working in early years.

Come and grow, play and make a difference with Smiles!

Smiles is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and the relevant suitability and right-to-work checks.