Early Years Practitioner

YMCA Bournemouth; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Bournemouth seeks an Early Years Practitioner Level 3 to support child development in a preschool setting. The role involves fostering relationships with children and families, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment, and managing learning experiences that cater to individual needs. This position is ideal for someone passionate about making a positive impact on children's lives and able to work collaboratively in a team. Competitive hourly rates and employee benefits are included.

Benefits

Competitive pension contribution

Free access to counseling services

Discounted gym memberships

Café discounts

Discounts on children's services and facility hire

Qualifications

• Passionate and motivated individual driven to empower individuals and create stronger communities.
• Experience in a childcare setting, particularly with children aged 0-4.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children and families.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with children and families.
• Promote high standards of learning for children.
• Work within a committed team to ensure safeguarding and child protection.

Skills

Knowledge of child development

Observation skills

Education

NVQ 3 or equivalent childcare qualification

Foundation in safeguarding (L2)

GCSE English and maths or equivalent

Job description

Early Years Practitioner Level 3
Location: Bournemouth
Employment type: Full-time
Working hours: 35 Hours per week Monday‑Friday (term time only, excluding bank holidays)
Hourly rate: £12.37 per hour
Application closing date: 08.12.2025
Interview date: 11.12.2025

About us

YMCA Bournemouth is part of a global organisation making a real difference at a local level in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. We are dedicated to creating inclusive, diverse and forward‑thinking services that address the needs of our community. Our work spans key areas such as Housing and Support, Family and Relationships, Youth Work, Training and Education, and Health and Wellbeing, all aimed at enabling individuals to reach their full potential in mind, body and spirit.

About the position

We are looking for an Early Years Practitioner Level 3 to join our team and promote the care, learning and development of all children at Teddy’s Preschool. We are a 0‑4 setting in Pokesdown where our recent Ofsted inspection (September 2025) recognised the work of the team in delivering a child‑led learning environment, where children’s interests guide learning, and that their approach supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities exceptionally well. As part of the role, you will work within the Preschool, ensuring an accessible, inclusive environment where all children thrive and achieve their potential.

This role will involve

• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with children and families
• Promoting high standards of learning for children
• Working as part of a close, committed team to ensure that safeguarding and child protection is at the forefront of all you do

What we’re looking for

You will be a passionate and motivated individual who is driven by our mission to empower individuals and create stronger communities.

Skills and competencies

• Strong, holistic knowledge of child development
• Ability to observe and support all children on their individual journey

Personal attributes

• Committed to making a positive difference in the lives of children and families
• Enthusiastic, proactive and committed practitioner who shares our passion to improve outcomes for children and families
• Ability to communicate effectively to a range of audiences, showing empathy and understanding

Qualifications and experience

• NVQ 3 or equivalent childcare qualification (essential)
• Foundation in safeguarding (L2) (essential)
• GCSE English and maths or equivalent (desirable)
• Evidence of SEN training or experience (desirable)
• Pediatric first aid certificate (desirable)

Why join YMCA Bournemouth?

• Contribute to meaningful services and make a lasting, positive impact
• Join a passionate and supportive team that shares commitment to make positive change and build stronger communities
• Ongoing training and development opportunities to help you expand your skills and make an impact in your role
• Enjoy a range of benefits including a competitive pension contribution, free access to YMCA Bournemouth’s counselling service, discounted gym memberships, café discounts and discounts on holiday activity clubs, children’s parties, preschool services and facility hire. Please note that employee benefits are subject to change.

Additional information

The role has a statutory, occupational requirement to ensure the safety and welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk that they may come across using our services. The post holder will take responsibility for ensuring safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk as a priority and follow both YMCA Bournemouth safeguarding policy and BCP Safeguarding Children Partnership and Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership statutory guidance.

Employment will be subject to satisfactory references, right to work checks and a Disclosure and Barring Service check. If the role involves regulated activity with children or adults at risk, your employment will be subject to an Enhanced level DBS check prior to commencement date. All other applicable roles will be subject to a Basic level DBS check prior to commencement date.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the active promotion of equal opportunity, both in the provision of services and as an employer of paid and unpaid workers.

If you have a disability and require any adjustments to support you during the application or interview process, or within employment, please contact us directly.

Please note we do not offer sponsorship opportunities with employment. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK and provide appropriate documentation as required.

How to apply

Please click on the link below to complete a YMCA Bournemouth application form.