Early Years Childcare Practitioner - 30 hours per week

Footsteps Nursery - Westfield Housing Association Ltd; Wigton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Wigton is seeking an enthusiastic individual for a Key Worker role. You will provide high-quality early years education in a safe environment, maintaining and planning activities in accordance with the EYFS. Applicants should have a relevant childcare qualification and strong communication skills. This full-time position offers benefits such as an introductory bonus and up to 6 weeks of annual leave, plus half-price childcare for staff.

Benefits

5 weeks annual leave

3 nominated days over Christmas/New Year

Statutory bank holidays

Half-price childcare

Qualifications

• Familiar with Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Demonstrate knowledge of child development to understand children’s reactions and interactions.
• Commitment to participate in in‑service training.

Responsibilities

• Act as a Key Worker in the delivery of activities.
• Maintain a safe, caring environment.
• Provide input to planning and evaluation of resources and activities.

Skills

Good verbal, written, communication and inter‑personal skills

Ability to work as part of a team

Flexible, adaptable, calm approach

Education

Diploma/Level 2, 3 or higher childcare qualification or equivalent

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who combines their knowledge and experience of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with a desire to provide high quality early years education and care for all children at our outstanding nursery.

Duties

• Act as a Key Worker in the delivery of activities.
• Maintain a safe, caring environment.
• Provide input to planning and evaluation of resources and activities.

Hours & Compensation

30 hours per week – Monday to Friday – an average 6 hours per day on a shift rota between 7.15 am and 6.00 pm.

Current hourly rate: £12.60 per hour (annual cost‑of‑living rise from April 2026), plus £150 introductory bonus payment upon successful completion of the 6‑month probationary period and coverage of the cost of an Enhanced DBS Check.

Benefits package: 5 weeks annual leave plus 3 nominated days to be taken over the Christmas/New Year period, statutory bank holidays, with an additional one day granted for each year of service up to a maximum of 5 extra days (pro‑rata for part‑time staff), increasing annual leave to a total of 6 weeks plus the 3 nominated days over Christmas/New Year plus bank holidays.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Diploma/Level 2, 3 or higher childcare qualification or equivalent.
• Familiar with Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Demonstrate knowledge of child development to understand children’s reactions and interactions.
• Good verbal, written, communication and inter‑personal skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Flexible, adaptable, calm approach and well organised.
• Commitment to participate in in‑service training.

Benefits

All positions are based at The Minto Centre, Westfield, Workington, Cumbria, and half‑price childcare within the Nursery is offered to all staff.

How to Apply

If this describes you, we look forward to hearing from you. Interviews will be arranged with successful applicants.