Early Years Practitioner

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Cross; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS Pension Scheme

Staff discounts

Job summary

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust nurseries are seeking a dedicated Early Years practitioner to assist in implementing play plans and tracking child development for families of LTHT staff. The role focuses on settling in, family communication, and observing milestones.

You will work within a warm, inclusive team, supporting 0–5 years old across two nursery sites with flexible shifts and opportunities for training and progression.

Qualifications

• Ofsted-recognised Level 3 childcare qualification.
• Ability to create a warm, caring, inclusive environment.
• Strong understanding of child development (0–5 years).
• Knowledge of Ofsted welfare requirements.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to updating records of achievements to support individual needs.
• Assist management to develop, implement and evaluate play and planning using EYFS.
• Support nursery service delivery and development of quality care.
• Assist in settling in programmes to meet child/family needs.
• Observe and record developmental milestones for individual profiles.
• Provide daily positive feedback to families and report concerns.

Skills

Warmth & empathy

Child development knowledge

Communication with parents

Education

Ofsted-recognised Level 3 childcare qualification

Job description

Job Summary

Contribute to updating records of achievements (i.e.: profiles, observations, care plans), to support the individual needs of the children/families.

Job Description

For questions about this job, contact:
Lydia Smith
Senior Nursery Manager
[e-mail]
0113 3070684
Shortlisting Date: 07/09/26
Interview Date: 1509/26

Assist the management team (i.e.: Deputy and Early Years Professional) to develop, implement and evaluate play and planning using the EYFS for the individual child and family

To support the nursery team and management team in the delivery of the service and the development of quality care

As a key carer the jobholder will assist in the settling in programme to meet the child’s/family’s individual needs including first contact with the parent or carer

To assist the nursery team when communicating nursery routines and procedures with new parents

As part of the nursery team your role will include observing, collating, presenting and recording developmental milestones for children’s individual profiles

Ensure each family receives daily positive feedback

Report concerns or family issues to appropriate manager

Why you should join our Team

Are you passionate about early years education and eager to make a real difference in the lives of young children? At the LTHT Nurseries, you’ll be part of a warm, dedicated team providing high‑quality childcare for the families of Leeds NHS staff.

With varying shift patterns and a guaranteed day off during the week, this is a role that truly supports work–life balance.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

Flexible Shifts & Work–Life Balance

• A range of shift patterns to suit your lifestyle
• Enjoy a day off every week with our 4-day working shift pattern

Easy, Stress‑Free Travel

• Free staff parking
• Excellent public transport links and easy access to Leeds city centre

Inspiring Early Years Environment

• Be part of a free‑flow play setting that supports curiosity, independence and creativity
• Two unique nursery sites caring for 168 children aged 0–5
• Open year‑round, Monday to Friday, 7am–6pm (excluding Bank Holidays)

Grow Your Career With Us

• Access to ongoing training, development, and progression opportunities

Fantastic LTHT Employee Benefits

• 27 days' annual leave (pro rata), rising to 33, plus Bank Holidays
• Blue Light Card and staff discounts across retail, travel, gyms, holidays and more
• Family‑friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Wellbeing support from trained champions and mental health first aiders
• Discounted childcare
• NHS Pension Scheme
• Car lease, cycle to work and childcare schemes
• Competitive pay and favourable terms & conditions

If you’re enthusiastic, caring and ready to take the next step in your early years career, we’d love to hear from you. Come and join the LTHT family—where your passion is valued and your development is supported.

What You Will Bring To The Role

• Ofsted‑recognised Level 3 childcare qualification
• Ability to create a warm, caring, inclusive environment
• Strong understanding of child development (0–5 years)
• Knowledge of Ofsted welfare requirements

About Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust

Our Trust values

The Leeds Way is working together to support each other and deliver the best possible care to patients.

We are…

• Responsible
• Open and Honest
• One Team
• Kind

Our Trust priorities

Our purpose:

Excellent, safe and sustainable care for every patient every time

Our Priorities

• People
• Improvement and Innovation
• Partnerships
• Outcomes

Sponsorship Eligibility

To comply with UK Government regulations on Skilled Worker sponsorship, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust is unable to provide sponsorship to applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria or the salary threshold concessions set out under the Skilled Worker visa route. Please take this into consideration before submitting your application. Full guidance on these concessions, including details of who may qualify, can be found here.