Casual Early Years Practitioner

University of Bradford School of Computing and Engineering; Bradford; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

DBS required

Job summary

University of Bradford Nursery is seeking a Casual Early Years Practitioner to support EYFS delivery and provide a safe, inclusive environment for children from birth to five years. DBS clearance is required, and the role supports part-time, casual work assignments with flexible shifts.

The successful candidate will work across nursery rooms, assist with planning, observations, and safeguarding, and collaborate with parents and carers to support each child’s development.

Qualifications

• We particularly welcome applications from candidates who hold a full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification.
• English GCSE at Grade A*-C/9-4, Level 2 or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience of working with children aged from birth to five years.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities within an early years setting and how to report concerns.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the Statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and nursery curriculum, in line with our values of Excellence, Trust, Innovation and Inclusion.
• Help provide a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment that supports children’s wellbeing, learning and development.
• Act as a back-up key person when required, supporting children’s care, development and progress in partnership with parents and carers.
• Undertake observations and assessments as directed, contributing to planning and supporting children’s individual next steps.
• Support children’s personal care and maintain high standards of safeguarding, health, safety and hygiene.
• Work flexibly across all nursery rooms to meet the needs of the service, including covering shifts at short notice where possible.

Education

Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification

English GCSE at Grade A*-C/9-4

Job description

Casual Early Years Practitioner

Professional Services

Directorate of People and Culture

Salary: £-1 Paid hourly - £13.35 per hour

Post Type: Casual Work Assignments

Contract Type: Casual Worker Agreement

Closing Date: Sunday 04 October 2026

Reference: TS0926

University of Bradford

At the University of Bradford, our focus is on creating the conditions for social, cultural, and economic impact. We are committed to social inclusion. Our work to expand opportunity and enable students to reach their potential, has led to us topping the Social Mobility Index of English universities for the last two years. Our University Strategy sets out our ambitions for 2025, which we will achieve by using our proud heritage as a springboard and remaining steadfast in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Safeguarding

The University of Bradford is committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and Adults at Risk through robust safer recruitment practices. An enhanced DBS is required for this role.

Directorate

The University of Bradford Nursery has been operating since April 1992 with children attending either on a full-time or part time basis. We support children of students, staff and the local community offering an inclusive and diverse environment which meets the individual needs of all our children. At the University of Bradford Nursery, we ensure that every child can thrive, develop, and build on their existing knowledge and experiences. We embed our values of respect, inclusion, trust and excellence within everything that we do, throughout our continuous provision and within our routines and provocations to learning. The University Values and Fundamental British Values are core to our values and support our commitment to promoting the welfare and safeguarding of all children within our care.

What You Will Be Doing

• Support the delivery of the Statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and nursery curriculum, in line with our values of Excellence, Trust, Innovation and Inclusion.
• Help provide a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment that supports children’s wellbeing, learning and development.
• Act as a back-up key person when required, supporting children’s care, development and progress in partnership with parents and carers.
• Undertake observations and assessments as directed, contributing to planning and supporting children’s individual next steps.
• Support children’s personal care and maintain high standards of safeguarding, health, safety and hygiene.
• Work flexibly across all nursery rooms to meet the needs of the service, including covering shifts at short notice where possible.

Qualifications/ Experience

We particularly welcome applications from candidates who hold a full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification.

You Will Need

• English GCSE at Grade A*-C/9-4, Level 2 or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience of working with children aged from birth to five years.
• Awareness of the Statutory Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities within an early years setting and how to report concerns.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A flexible, reliable and cooperative approach.

Celebrating Diversity – The University of Bradford

Within our nursery we have a widely diverse staff team but there is a low representation of males, therefore we welcome applications from individuals who represent this category alongside all other applications which we consider equally.

At the University of Bradford, we recognise and embrace people that work in diverse ways so if you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.

Confronting Inequality : Celebrating Diversity

At the University of Bradford we accept people for who they are regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, marital status, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation or socio-economic background and whether you’re pregnant or on maternity leave.

In line with the University’s commitment to equality charters including Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter, Disability Confident and Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme, we welcome applications from people identifying with these characteristics. The University has a number of staff networks which provide peer support and safe spaces for staff who hold these and other identities.