Early years practitioner

Thrive Childcare and Education; Mere; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Referral bonus

Birthday & Wellbeing Day Off

Christmas week closure

Branded outdoor jackets

Childcare discounts

Dental/health cashback

Shopping & gym discounts

Counselling sessions

Long service rewards

Job summary

The Mere Nature Kindergarten, part of Thrive Childcare and Education, is seeking enthusiastic Early Years Practitioners to join our friendly team. Located in Mere, Cheshire, our nursery focuses on nurturing curious minds through play and learning in a safe, welcoming environment.

Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualifications are welcomed, with pay from £13.45 to £13.75 per hour. We offer flexible hours—part-time and full-time—and support with DBS checks and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 2 opportunities also available).
• Passion for supporting the growth, learning, and wellbeing of children.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and organisational skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver fun, engaging activities tailored to each child's development.
• Build meaningful relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of every child in your care.
• Collaborate with your team to provide a nurturing, inspiring environment.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to grow your career.

Skills

Passion for childcare

Teamwork

Communication

Organisational skills

Safeguarding & inclusion

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Level 2 Early Years qualification

Job description

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver fun, engaging activities tailored to each child's development
• Build meaningful relationships with children, families, and colleagues
• Ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of every child in your care
• Collaborate with your team to provide a nurturing, inspiring environment
• Engage in ongoing professional development to grow your career

We value creativity, dedication, and a genuine love for working with children. If you thrive in a supportive, team-oriented environment, you'll fit right in!

Requirements

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 2 opportunities also available)
• Passion for supporting the growth, learning, and wellbeing of children
• Strong teamwork, communication, and organisational skills
• Commitment to safeguarding and inclusion

About The Mere Nature Kindergarten

The Mere Nature Kindergarten is a trusted and much-loved nursery set on one of Cheshire's busiest commuter routes, making us perfectly placed for local families and those travelling to Manchester via the A556 or to Warrington via the A50. Our setting is beautifully designed to inspire learning, curiosity, and comfort.

We're proud to hold the Green Flag Eco School Award, and our fantastic Eco Committee helps us grow fruit and vegetables in our allotment while leading initiatives that make our nursery-and the world-greener.

Inclusion & Safeguarding

At Thrive, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for every member of our team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, ages, and experiences. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and regular safeguarding training.

Key values

• Children first everytime
• Deliver everyday with passion
• Be a positive role model
• Teamwork

Part Time & Full Time Hours Available!

From £13.45ph (Level 2) to £13.75ph (level 3)

At Thrive, we don't just provide childcare - we shape futures. Every day, our Early Years Practitioners inspire, nurture, and guide children to explore, play, and grow in a safe, welcoming environment. To us, you're a hero, and we make sure you feel like one too!

We're looking for enthusiastic and committed Early Years Practitioners to join our friendly, dedicated team at The Mere Nature Kindergarten, a highly trusted and well-established nursery.

Why Thrive?

We invest in our people because great childcare starts with happy, supported staff. At Thrive, you'll enjoy:

• Earn an extra £200 per month through referrals
• Birthday & Wellbeing Day Off - an extra 2 days paid leave!
• Christmas week closure and festive shopping vouchers
• Company-supplied branded outdoor jackets
• Up to 85% off childcare discounts (T&Cs apply)
• Cashback on dental & health treatments through cash health plans
• High street & gym membership discounts
• Free face-to-face counselling sessions
• Long service awards and monthly colleague spotlight rewards
• Personal progression & career development opportunities
• DBS registration paid for on behalf of Thrive