Early Years Practitioner

Kirklees Metropolitan Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 31,086 - 32,086; Full time

Job summary

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council is seeking an Early Years Practitioner to support children aged 0–5 in our community nurseries. You’ll help shape early learning, friendships and play, while maintaining a safe, welcoming environment where every child is seen and encouraged to flourish.

You will plan activities, assist with nappies, snacks and daily routines, and build strong relationships with families to understand and meet each child’s needs.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 2 Childcare Qualification recognised by the Department for Education.
• Experience in an early years setting preferred.
• DBS check and First Aid training (or willingness to obtain) are essential.

Responsibilities

• Care for children aged 0–5 in community nurseries.
• Plan and run fun, engaging activities to support learning through play.
• CHANGE nappies, prepare snacks, encourage independence and celebrate milestones.
• Build relationships with children and families to respond to individual needs.
• Support inclusive practices and safeguarding in line with EYFS guidance.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Patience

Energy

Education

Level 2 Childcare

DBS check

First Aid

Job description

Bring energy, care and creativity to the start of a child’s journey

As an Early Years Practitioner, you’ll help shape a child’s first experiences of learning, friendship and play. You’ll be part of a team that brings joy and support to children and their families every single day – creating safe, engaging spaces where every child is seen, supported and given the chance to flourish.

Working Style

You’ll be based in the Borough for five days a week, playing a key role in serving the local community. Whether you’re working on the frontline or behind the scenes, you’ll be part of a dedicated team making a real difference to residents’ lives.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll join a close-knit, caring team, working with children aged 0-5 in one of our community nurseries. No two days look the same – you might be building a fort, comforting someone after a tough drop-off, or helping a child find the words to express how they’re feeling.

You’ll support the team in planning fun, engaging activities that help children learn through play, indoors and outside. You’ll be hands‑on throughout the day – changing nappies, preparing snacks, encouraging independence and celebrating every new milestone, however small.

You’ll also be a key person for a small group of children, getting to know them and their families so you can respond to what they need – whether that’s extra support, reassurance, or simply someone who remembers their favourite story.

Inclusivity is a big part of our nurseries. You’ll help make sure every child, including those with additional needs, feels welcome, understood and able to take part in their own way. This is a fast‑paced role, sometimes noisy and messy, often full of laughter and always focused on helping children feel secure, curious and cared for.

For further details, please review the Job Description and Person Specification

What you’ll bring

You’ll need a minimum Level 2 Childcare Qualification recognised by the Department for Education – and ideally some experience working in an early years setting. More than anything, we’re looking for someone who brings warmth, patience and energy to the role.

You’ll be great at working in a team, open to learning and ready to adapt to what each day brings. You’ll also be confident building relationships with parents and carers – listening, sharing updates and working together to support each child.

It’s important that you have a good understanding of child development, especially for two‑year‑olds and vulnerable groups and are familiar with the EYFS and safeguarding guidance. A DBS check and First Aid training (or willingness to complete it) are essential.

Why join us

At RBKC, we’re all in – investing in our people, our communities and our future. You’ll be joining a supportive and experienced team who’ve worked together for years. There’s a real sense of trust and encouragement here, new ideas are always welcomed.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn and grow, with access to regular training and support to help you develop your skills or take on new responsibilities. Whether you’re hoping to become a Room Leader or deepen your understanding of child development, we’ll help you get there.

About us

Kensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Everything we do is focused on supporting our residents, strengthening our approach and creating a fairer borough.

As a competent and caring Council, we take pride in our work every day, ensuring our services are delivered with care and competence. We listen to our residents, act with integrity and work together to build a borough that is greener, safer and fairer for all.

Being all in as an Early Years Practitioner means showing up with care and commitment – even when things get busy. It means helping children through tricky mornings, cheering them on when they try something new and being someone they feel safe with day in and day out.

Interview Details and Role Requirements

Interviews will be held W/C 10th August 2026

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check and children’s barred list.

Clare Gardens Nursery – 349 Westbourne Park Rd, London W11 1EG

St Quintin’s Nursery – 90 Highlever Rd, London W10 6PN

The full days would be 7.2 hours and this would be shifts.

We reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early without warning subject to the volume of suitable applicants.

We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

We are committed to fair, transparent, and consistent pay practices. New hires will start at the minimum of the advertised salary range.

Employees receive annual salary increases until they reach the top of the pay scale. In addition, employees will receive any agreed cost of living pay rises.

Company: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Salary: £31086 – £32086 per annum

Location: England, London, London (Greater)

Sector: Health and Social Care

Job Role: Officer