Early Years Practitioner

University of Bradford; Bradford; Remote; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

13 statutory and customary days

Family-friendly policies

Eye clinic

Physiotherapy & sports rehabilitation

Counselling & mental health services

Food & drink outlets

Pension schemes

Car leasing

Cycle to work

Job summary

The University of Bradford Nursery is seeking an Early Years Practitioner to support the delivery of the EYFS framework and the nursery curriculum. You will work under supervision to care for a key group of children and collaborate with parents to support learning and development.

Responsibilities include observing progress, contributing to planning, and ensuring safeguarding standards in a diverse, inclusive environment on campus.

Qualifications

• Welcomes applicants with Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualifications.
• English GCSE or equivalent required.
• Experience with children birth to five years and EYFS awareness.
• Desirable: Level 2/3 EYQ, Paediatric First Aid, safeguarding training, Food Hygiene, SEND knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Support EYFS delivery and nursery curriculum.
• Manage a key group of children, liaising with parents/carers.
• Conduct observations and assess progress, aiding planning and next steps.

Skills

Observation & assessment

Communication with parents

Education

Level 2 Early Years qualification

Level 3 Early Years qualification

English GCSE A*-C/9-4

Paediatric First Aid certificate

Job description

Fixed-Term, 36.25 hours compressed over 4 working days

PostType: Full Time

ContractType: Fixed Term

ClosingDate: Wednesday 28 October 2026

InterviewDate: To be confirmed

Reference: HR0203329-2

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 two 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 University of Bradford Nursery sits within the Directorate of People, Culture and Wellbeing and provides high-quality education and care for children aged from birth to five years. Our inclusive nursery curriculum supports every child to learn, develop and thrive within a safe and stimulating environment, underpinned by the University’s values of Excellence, Trust, Innovation and Inclusion.

What you will be doing:

Working under the direction of the Room Leader, Senior Early Years Practitioner and Management Team, you will:

• Support the delivery of the Statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and nursery curriculum.
• Take responsibility for a key group of children, supporting and monitoring their care, learning and development in partnership with parents and carers.
• Undertake observations and assessments of children’s progress, contributing to planning and supporting their individual next steps.

Qualifications/ experience:

We particularly welcome applications from candidates who hold a full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification.

You will need:

• English GCSE at Grade A*-C/9-4, Level 2 or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience of working with children aged from birth to five years.
• Awareness of the Statutory Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.

A full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification is desirable, alongside a current Paediatric First Aid certificate, safeguarding training, a Food Hygiene certificate and knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Celebrating Diversity – The University of Bradford

Within our nursery we have a widely diverse staff team but there is a low representation of males, therefore we welcome applications from individuals who represent this category alongside all other applications which we consider equally.

• 25 days holiday and 13 statutory and customary days (taken at Easter and Christmas).
• Family-friendly policies
• Great campus facilities including:
• Eye clinic
• Physiotherapy & sports rehabilitation,
• Counselling & mental health services
• Food & drink outlets
• Generous employer contribution pension schemes
• Generous benefit schemes, including car leasing, cycle to work, holiday purchase, home & technology scheme and shopping discounts

Confronting Inequality : Celebrating Diversity

At the University of Bradford we accept people for who they are regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, marital status, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation or socio-economic background and whether you’re pregnant or on maternity leave.

In line with the University’s commitment to equality charters including Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter, Disability Confident and Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme, we welcome applications from people identifying with these characteristics. The University has a number of staff networks which provide peer support and safe spaces for staff who hold these and other identities.