Early Years Practitioner

Shorefields; Lawford; Remote; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare

Employee discount

Free parking

Job summary

Little Pumpkins in Lawford, Essex is seeking a 30-hour-per-week Early Years Practitioner to join our not-for-profit nursery. The role runs over 50 weeks, with a maximum four-day week for full-time staff, and supports a child-centred, play-based approach to learning.

You will work to provide stimulating learning both inside and outside, monitor progress, and maintain close communication with parents. A Level 3 EY Practitioner qualification is required; DBS checks are part of safeguarding.

Qualifications

• Must hold Level 3 Early Years Practitioner qualification.
• Experience in early years provision preferred.
• Commitment to child-centred learning.

Responsibilities

• Support children communicate their thoughts, ideas and needs and are listened to.
• Support children with additional needs and/or medical needs
• Support children have and take opportunities for learning in their own unique way.
• Providing a stimulating learning environment, both inside and out.
• Ensure the learning zone space and resources is effective by reflecting upon its use.
• Effectively monitoring, record and reporting the children's development.
• Frequently and regularly feeding back to parents/carers, formally and informally.
• Involving parents / carers and the child in every step of the child's development.

Education

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner qualification

Job description

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 12/11/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: 26/10/2026

We are seeking a productive individual who has a passion for early years education to be a part of our team. You will demonstrate collaborative partnership working providing a child-centred, unique approach to your teaching and support of the child's development. At Little Pumpkins our expectation is the adult's approach in teaching consists of spontaneous learning experiences with high engagement to support the child's independent interests.

Our setting is a not for profit organisation and is made up of 4 rooms. Although we are a large team we pride ourselves on our positive team environment and professional conduct. To support staff's well-being and work/life balance, full time staff are rotated for a maximum of a 4 day working week over a 50 week period. All staff receive the following benefits:

• Childcare


• Employee discount


• Free parking

It is a requirement that you will hold at least a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years Practitioner qualification. The position is for 30 hours per week over a 50 week period. Your main role will be to support our young learners in their education. However, children at Little Pumpkins want to know if you can:

• "Help me find bugs, dig for worms and build a rocket"


• "Paint with me"


• "Read me stories"


• "Cuddle me if I'm sad"


• "Build tall towers"


• "Play with me"


• "Take me to the park"

Essentially you will be required to:

• Support children communicate their thoughts, ideas and needs and are listened to.


• Support children with additional needs and/or medical needs


• Support children have and take opportunities for learning in their own unique way.


• Providing a stimulating learning environment, both inside and out.


• Ensure the learning zone space and resources is effective by reflecting upon its use.


• Effectively monitoring, record and reporting the children's development.


• Frequently and regularly feeding back to parents/carers, formally and informally.


• Involving parents / carers and the child in every step of the child's development.


• You will be required to have a good level of experience of working in early years provision.

Become part of Little Pumpkins

The Directors opened Little Pumpkins in 2010 changing the organisation from a committee run pack away setting to the nursery we have built up to today. We constantly strive towards the next which guides our culture, our decision-making, and what it feels like to be part of our team. We have a strong sense of community, with connections that bring us together and the systems and processes that mean our educators can focus on what they do best. Quality matters to us - starting with our people and curriculum - through to our buildings and inspiring environments. We're investing in Little Pumpkins, in our teams, and into the education we provide our children. We provide the environment where you can:

Take your next steps with Little Pumpkins

Diversity and Inclusion

At Little Pumpkins, we celebrate diversity and believe inclusive teams create stronger learning environments for children. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

Safeguarding

Little Pumpkins is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide proof of identity. In line with Safer Recruitment guidance, online searches (including social media) may be conducted for shortlisted candidates.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Tracy Starling
The Early Years
Unit 2
The Avenue, Lawford
Essex, CO11 2FR Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]