Early Years Practitioner

Nottinghamshire County Council; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Nottinghamshire County Council is seeking a committed Early Years Practitioner to deliver high-quality, evidence-based early help services for children and families. You will work across Gedling Family Hubs, community venues, and family homes, supporting children aged 0–9 to achieve positive learning, development, and wellbeing outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity to engage with families and help shape the future of our youngest citizens, with office-based role and a 37-hour week.

Qualifications

• A relevant qualification in Early Years Education or Childcare (Level 3 or above).
• 5 GCSEs at A*-C including English or equivalent.
• Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and child development principles.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging play and learning interventions aligned with the EYFS.
• Engage with expectant parents and families with children under three to foster strong relationships.
• Support development: promote speech, language, and overall development for children.
• Collaborate with parents as their child’s first educator and maintain accurate records.
• Promote inclusive practice for diverse and seldom-heard families.
• Work with partner agencies to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes for children with identified SEND.

Skills

Compassionate communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Inclusion

Education

Level 3 Early Years Education or Childcare

5 GCSEs including English

Job description

Job Description / Person Specification Early Years Pracitioner JD.pdf – 836KB Opens in a new window

Type of vacancy Permanent

Work pattern Full Time

Hours per week 37

Work Base Arnbrook Family Hub, Arnold, NG5 8NE

Working Arrangements Office Based

Job Description / Person Specification Early Years Pracitioner JD.pdf – 836KB Opens in a new window

Competency Framework Tier 7a

Number of posts 1

Interview date 10 September 2026

Closing Date 23 August 2026 23:55

The Children and Families Department takes a strengths-based approach to working with each other, children, young people and families, and our partner agencies. We call this 'Our Nottinghamshire Approach'. Watch the two minute animation to learn more.

Nottinghamshire County Council is dedicated to serving our community with compassion and care. We believe in creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and families across Nottinghamshire.

We are seeking a committed Early Years Practitioner to deliver high-quality, evidence-based early help services for children and families. You will work across Gedling Family Hubs, community venues, and family homes, supporting children aged 0–9 to achieve positive learning, development, and wellbeing outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity to engage with families and help shape the future of our youngest citizens!

As an Early Years Practitioner, your key responsibilities will include:

• Planning and Delivering: Create and implement engaging play and learning interventions aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage
• Engaging Families: Work closely with expectant parents and families with children under three to foster strong relationships
• Supporting Development: Assist in promoting speech, language, communication, and overall development for children
• Partnership Building: Collaborate with parents as their child’s first educator, conducting assessments and maintaining accurate records
• Inclusive Practice: Engage with diverse and seldom‑heard families, ensuring every child feels valued and supported
• Collaboration: Work with partner agencies to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes for children with emerging or identified SEND

To Succeed In This Role, You Will Need

• A relevant qualification in Early Years Education or Childcare (Level 3 or above).
• To hold 5 GCSEs at level A*-C (including English) or equivalent and proven ability within a previous work setting.
• Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and child development principles.
• Experience working with children and families in a professional setting is desirable.

We Are Looking For Candidates Who Demonstrate

• Compassionate Communication: The ability to engage effectively with children and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Teamwork: A collaborative spirit to work alongside colleagues and partner agencies.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to the changing needs of children and families.
• Commitment to Inclusion: A passion for promoting inclusive practices and supporting children with SEND.

At Nottinghamshire County Council, We Offer

• A Place to Belong: A friendly, inclusive workplace where everyone is valued.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for training and development to enhance your skills.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working arrangements.
• Generous Leave: A competitive leave package to ensure you have time to recharge.

Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Nottinghamshire County Council strives to ensure that it goes beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and prides itself as a Disability Confident Leader Organisation.

Under the Disability Confident scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme) we would like to ensure applicants with disabilities are offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for a job. Please let us know if this is something you would like to be considered for.

A job share scheme is available for all full-time posts: both permanent and temporary, unless otherwise stated.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks.

Nottinghamshire County Council strongly encourages applications from all candidates from different walks of life, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.