Early Years Educator

Loughborough University; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave plus bank holiday

Paid birthday leave

Discounted nursery fees

On-campus gym and pool access

Free car parking

Free meals

Pension scheme enrolment

Job summary

Loughborough University Nursery on campus is seeking an Early Years Educator to join our nurturing team. You will plan and deliver EYFS activities, lead small groups, and model high-quality interactions.

We welcome applicants with a Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience with children aged 0-5; you will support safeguarding, document development, and mentor Foundation Practitioners and students.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children aged 0-5 in an early years setting is required.
• Strong communication, planning and organisational skills.
• Solid understanding of the EYFS framework, child development and safeguarding practice.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging learning experiences aligned with the EYFS framework.
• Lead small group activities and model high-quality interactions.
• Observe, assess and document children's development to inform planning.
• Champion inclusive practice and adapt environments to meet diverse needs.
• Take responsibility for a specific area of learning or specialism.
• Build strong relationships with children and families.
• Mentor Foundation Practitioners and students.

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years or equivalent

Job description

Hours of work

Full time position working 37.5 hours per week, between the hours of 7.30am and 6pm.

Rate of pay

£27,259.77 per annum

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Paid leave day for your birthday
• Discounted nursery fees
• Free access to our on-campus gym and pool facilities at Burleigh Springs
• Free car parking
• Free meal
• Enrolment into company pension scheme

Are you a creative and caring early years professional who believes in the power of play, the importance of children's voices, and the value of inclusive education?

We are looking for an Early Years Educator to join our exceptional team. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a nurturing, values-led environment where your expertise and ideas will be celebrated and your professional growth supported.

Your Role

As an Early Years Educator, you will:

• Plan and deliver engaging learning experiences aligned with the EYFS framework, leading small group activities and modelling high-quality interactions that promote curiosity and independence.
• Observe, assess, and document children's development to inform planning and next steps.
• Champion inclusive practice and adapt environments to meet diverse needs.
• Take responsibility for a specific area of learning or specialism (e.g. communication, outdoor learning, SEND).
• Build strong, respectful relationships with children and families.
• Contribute to team planning, reflective practice, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor our Foundation Practitioners and students as appropriate.

About You

You must have experience of working with children aged 0-5 in an early years setting, with a Level 3 qualification in Early Years or equivalent.

We are looking for an individual with strong communication, planning and organisational skills, who has a sound understanding of the EYFS framework, child development and safeguarding practice.

You will be supported in your role and work alongside a passionate team in a well-resourced nursery that values your expertise and ideas.

Successful appointment is subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.

About Us

Recently rated outstanding by OFSTED in all aspects, our vision is simple...to build a world class nursery that consistently delivers fabulous learning, play and fun. At Loughborough University Nursery, we bring families and children together - to create a place where children love to be. We deliver an exemplary service that respects and honours the needs of every child, celebrates their contribution, and builds on our key values of care, education, and play.

Our 100-place nursery is found in the heart of campus providing education and care to the children of university employees, students, and the local community. We are a diverse and vibrant community recognised for our excellence in inclusion, teaching, and learning.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and expect our employees to share this commitment.

We are part of the Imago Venues family, and we contribute to making Imago Venues a fabulous place to work. We care about our people and we're kind to each other. We're ambitious, ethical, sustainable and, most importantly, we're accountable.

We take workplace engagement seriously and are proud to have been awarded the Best Companies accreditation as very good to work for 2025.

Come and join our fantastic team and be part of an outstanding university nursery with a reputation for excellence.

Closing date

19 th September 2026