Nursery Practitioner

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To work as part of a dedicated Early Years team to provide a safe, caring, inclusive and stimulating environment where children aged 0–5 years can learn, develop and achieve their full potential. The Nursery Practitioner will plan and deliver high-quality care and educational experiences in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), while working closely with children, parents/carers, colleagues and partner agencies.

The postholder will act as a key person for a designated group of children, supporting their individual development and wellbeing through effective observation, assessment, planning and partnership working. The role also requires a strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion and the delivery of high standards of early years practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, implement and evaluate engaging activities and learning experiences covering all areas of the EYFS.
  
• Provide high-quality care, learning and development opportunities that recognise and respond to each child’s individual needs, interests, abilities and circumstances.
  
• Act as a key person for a designated group of children, developing positive relationships and working in partnership with parents/carers to support each child’s development.
  
• Observe, assess and record children’s play, behaviour, learning and development using appropriate statutory and non-statutory guidance.
  
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date learning journals and share appropriate information about children’s progress and achievements with parents/carers.
  
• Support parents/carers to extend children’s learning and development at home and provide appropriate advice and guidance on childcare matters.
  
• Ensure activities, policies, practices and curriculum planning promote equality, diversity and inclusion and reflect the needs of individual children.
  
• Maintain a safe, secure and stimulating nursery environment, undertaking appropriate risk assessments and following health and safety procedures.
  
• Be aware of and respond appropriately to children’s dietary, cultural, personal, medical and additional needs.
  
• Maintain effective nursery routines while ensuring that individual children’s needs and wellbeing remain central to practice.
  
• Celebrate and acknowledge children’s achievements, displaying their work and contributing to a positive learning environment.
  
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, parents/carers and external professionals to promote positive outcomes for children.
  
• Support and supervise students within the nursery alongside the Deputy Manager, including contributing to assessments where required.
  
• Attend and actively participate in supervision, parent/carer meetings, staff meetings, training and other nursery meetings as required.
  
• Maintain a thorough understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and attend statutory safeguarding children training.
  
• Identify, report, record and monitor safeguarding concerns promptly in accordance with Council and nursery safeguarding procedures.
  
• Where required and directed by the Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager, contribute to case conferences and other multi-agency meetings.
  
• Act as a positive role model, promoting respectful, professional and effective relationships between children, parents/carers and staff.
  
• Maintain confidentiality at all times in relation to children, families, staff and partner agencies.
  
• Comply with all relevant legislation, statutory requirements, Council policies, nursery procedures and professional standards.
  
• Work flexibly across different areas of the nursery and undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the grade and responsibilities of the post.
  

Requirements

• Recognised, full and relevant Level 3 or above childcare qualification.
  
• Significant relevant experience working with children aged 0–5 years in a day nursery, pre-school or similar early years setting.
  
• Current Paediatric First Aid Certificate.
  
• Good knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and its practical application.
  
• Knowledge of current childcare legislation, safeguarding requirements and child protection procedures.
  
• Good understanding of child development, care, learning and play.
  
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and how these principles can be promoted within an early years setting.
  
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate effectively with young children, parents/carers, colleagues and other professionals.
  
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with children and engage effectively with parents/carers and external professionals.
  
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, supporting colleagues and contributing positively to the wider nursery environment.
  
• Ability to observe, assess and record children’s development accurately and use this information to inform planning and practice.
  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
  
• Strong commitment to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare, safety and wellbeing.
  
• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to the changing needs of the nursery and individual children.
  
• Sufficient understanding and use of English to meet statutory requirements for effective communication within the role.
  

Additional Information

Hours per week: Flexible shift patterns between 7:45am and 6:15pm, Monday to Friday
Location: Bromley Council Nursery / Early Years Setting
Bi-Weekly Payments