Early Years Educator

Action for Children; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave (7+ weeks)

Wellbeing day

Cycle to work

Professional training

Parental leave packages

Life assurance

Blue Light Card discounts

Job summary

Action for Children is seeking an Early Years Educator in Gloucester to provide high-quality care for babies and mothers within our Mother and Baby Unit. The role focuses on gentle guidance, parenting support and development opportunities, including baby massage and Solihull approaches.

The post offers permanent full-time hours (37 per week) and a comprehensive benefits package, with opportunities for professional training and career progression in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification that meets DfE requirements, or a level 2 qualification and be willing to complete a level 3 qualification within two years.
• Experience working with babies aged 0–3 and understanding their development.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, SEN, inclusion and the EYFS.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care, support and fun experiences for babies and their mothers.
• Help mothers build confidence through play, routines, baby massage and parenting activities.
• Be a trusted key person, supporting development, safeguarding and wellbeing while keeping families at the heart of everything you do.

Skills

Level 3 Early Years

Experience with under-3s

Safeguarding

Observation & planning

Digital systems

Communication

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification (DfE)

Job description

Job title: Early Years Educator

Salary: c.£26,400 per year depending on qualifications and experience.

Location: Gloucester

Contract/Hours: Permanent Full-time 37 hours a week

Benefits:

• Over 7 weeks inclusive paid leave and the option to buy or sell leave
• 1 wellbeing day per year
• Cycle to work scheme
• Excellent training and the opportunity to undertake professional training
• Flexible maternity, paternity and adoption packages
• Up to 7% employer contribution and life assurance cover
• Blue Light Card eligibility with discounts at 15,000 national retailers

At Action for Children, we offer more than just a job. Join us and you’ll be part of a team dedicated to giving children safe and happy childhoods. See how your skills can make a real difference, helping solve the problems children and young people face every day.

A bit about the role.

As an Early Years Educator in our HMP Mother and Baby Unit, you’ll have the opportunity to support mothers as they build confidence, develop their parenting skills and create positive beginnings for their babies.

Using the Solihull Approach Parenting Programme, you’ll provide gentle guidance, encouragement and high-quality care in a role that is both rewarding and meaningful.

And we’ll support your development too, with baby massage training and the opportunity to complete a Level 4 Children and Family Practitioner qualification.

If you’re ready to take the next step into family support and want a career where you can truly make a difference, this could be the opportunity for you.

What you do could make a difference.

In the role as Early years educator, you will:

• Provide high-quality care, support and fun experiences for babies and their mothers.
• Help mothers build confidence through play, routines, baby massage and parenting activities.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with mothers, working together to meet their baby’s needs.
• Create a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where every baby can thrive.
• Be a trusted key person, supporting development, safeguarding and wellbeing while keeping families at the heart of everything you do.

Let’s talk about you.

• Hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification that meets DfE requirements, or a level 2 qualification and be willing to complete a level 3 qualification within two years.
• Experience working with children aged 0–3, with a good understanding of their development and needs.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, SEN, inclusion and the EYFS.
• Good communication and organisational skills, including experience with observations, planning and digital systems.
• A willingness to learn and develop, including completing training such as Paediatric First Aid, Baby Massage and Solihull Parenting.

Why Action for Children?

Every child should have a loving home, food, warmth, the chance to grow and learn - the support to cope with life’s challenges. But too many children don’t. By bringing your passion and unique skills and experience, you’ll help us change that where it really matters.

We've been driven by love to take action for children for over 150 years, giving them the protection and practical help they need. A lot’s changed since 1869. But what children really need, hasn’t. So as long as children need us, we’ll be here.

Will you join us?

About the Service.

Our Mother and Baby Unit at HMP Eastwood Park is a unique and rewarding place to work, the service provides a safe, nurturing environment where mothers can remain with their babies while receiving the support they need to build confidence and strengthen their relationship with their child.

Our dedicated team provides high-quality nursery care, stimulating experiences and evidence-based parenting support, working closely with Family Support Practitioners and other professionals to give every baby the best possible start.

It’s a special opportunity to use your early years skills in a role where what you do can make a lasting difference to a family’s future.

Our Commitment to Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism.

At Action for Children, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to thrive. We know that racism and discrimination create barriers, and we are taking active steps to challenge these inequalities in our organisation and in the communities we serve.

We strongly welcome applications from people who are Black, Asian, or from other racialised and ethnically marginalised communities, as well as disabled people, who are currently under-represented in our workforce. We are committed to removing barriers in our recruitment processes and ensuring fair access to opportunities.

We also encourage applications from men, who are under-represented in our Children’s Services roles. We recognise that people hold multiple identities, and we value the richness this brings to our team.