Early Years Practitioner

University of Bradford; Bradford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Bradford seeks a dedicated individual to support children's learning in a nursery environment. Responsibilities include facilitating activities, fostering relationships with children and families, and maintaining a safe space. Applicants should have relevant experience and a GCSE in English. The role offers a supportive community and several in-job benefits including 25 days of holiday and family-friendly policies.

Benefits

25 days holiday and 13 statutory days

Family-friendly policies

Great campus facilities

Qualifications

• Experience working with children aged 0–5 years.
• Awareness of the EYFS Framework and child development.

Responsibilities

• Support children’s learning and development through planned activities and play.
• Act as a key person, building positive relationships with children and families.
• Assist in delivering the EYFS curriculum under supervision of senior staff.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and inclusive learning environment.
• Carry out daily care routines, including mealtimes, toileting, and hygiene.

Skills

Good IT skills

Communication skills

Teamwork skills

Flexibility

Reliability

Eagerness to learn

Education

English GCSE (Grade C/Level 2 or above) or equivalent

Job description

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 four 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.

Directorate

The People, Culture and Wellbeing Directorate promotes a supportive, inclusive environment. The nursery reflects this by providing high-quality early years care and education. Aligned with the University’s values, it nurtures children’s development and supports families, creating a caring, community-focused space that positively impacts the wider University community.

Role Description

What you will be doing:

• Support children’s learning and development through planned activities and play.
• Act as a key person, building positive relationships with children and families.
• Assist in delivering the EYFS curriculum under supervision of senior staff.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and inclusive learning environment.
• Carry out daily care routines, including mealtimes, toileting, and hygiene.

Qualifications/Experience

Requirements include:

• English GCSE (Grade C/Level 2 or above) or equivalent (essential)
• Experience working with children aged 0–5 years (essential)
• Awareness of the EYFS Framework and child development (essential)
• Good IT, communication, and teamwork skills (essential)
• Flexible, reliable, and eager to learn (essential)

Celebrating Diversity – The University of Bradford: Within the nursery team, males are underrepresented. We therefore welcome applications from males to help create a more balanced and inclusive workforce. This positive action does not disadvantage applicants of other genders.

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.

Benefits

In Return we Offer:

• 25 days holiday and 13 statutory and customary days (taken at Easter and Christmas)
• Family-friendly policies
• Great campus facilities

Find more information about the many other benefits, including salary sacrifice schemes and campus nursery.

Additional Information: If you would like to find out more or are interested in applying, please contact Rochelle Smith on 01274 234866 & [e-mail]. Applicants can upload a CV and/or a personal statement alongside the formal application. Providing a personal statement is an opportunity to highlight relevant skills and experience.