Early Years Practitioner

Bright Horizons UK; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Early Years Practitioner to join their vibrant nursery in Saffron Walden. This full-time role offers a unique opportunity to foster children's growth through engaging activities tailored to their developmental milestones. The nursery, rated 'Good' by Ofsted, provides a supportive environment with a focus on teamwork and excellence. With a commitment to employee well-being and professional development, you will be part of a team that values honesty, respect, and accountability. If you are dedicated to making learning enjoyable and impactful, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Above industry standard salary

Discounted childcare

Up to 33 days holiday

Smart Health access

Financial support for wages

Development programme access

Future Leaders programme access

Employee Appreciation events

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Essential Level 3 qualification in Early Years is required.
• Experience working with children is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement engaging activities for children's development.
• Maintain strong partnerships with parents and ensure child safety.

Skills

Communication Techniques

Child Welfare and Protection

Building Trust

Engaging Learning Activities

Education

Full and Relevant Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Nursery: Bright Horizons Saffron Walden Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary: Starting from £25,727 - £26,712 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location: Saffron Walden, CB11

We are looking for a full-time Early Years Practitioner to join our Bright Horizons Saffron Walden Nursery.

Our Bright Horizons Saffron Walden Nursery is situated in the grounds of the Saffron Walden County High School and is Ofsted rated "Good". The nursery offers on-site parking with an inviting staff room regularly stocked with goodies for the staff to enjoy.

What we can offer you

Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Above industry standard salary, with annual salary reviews
• Discounted childcare of 50% for first child (T&C Apply)
• Up to 33 days holiday per year, with the option to buy additional days
• Smart Health access, including 24/7 access to Virtual GP appointments, fitness programmes, and mental health support
• Financial support through early access to wages, low interest debt consolidation loans, and a wide variety of discounts across high street brands, travel, utilities, and days out
• Development programme access for every stage of your career, tailored to your individual journey, with opportunities across our network of nurseries
• Access to our Future Leaders programme, preparing you to step into a Room Leader position
• Employee Appreciation throughout the year including our annual Awards of Excellence gala’s
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working

Why Bright Horizons?

We are driven by our HEART values (Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork). If your values align, you’d be a great fit to join one of our 300 nurseries across the UK. We’ve also been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, as well achieving Great Place for Wellbeing and Great Place for Women.

Did you know, Bright Horizons Foundation for Children charity has been established since 2005 supporting the lives of thousands of children and families in crisis, across almost 100 locations? Each Bright Horizons colleague is entitled to a paid volunteer day every year!

What you’ll be doing

• Plan, create, implement and reflect on engaging activities, tailored to each of your key children, to encourage their development towards key milestones.
• Develop and maintain strong parent/carer partnerships
• Promote and ensure child welfare, protection, health and safety, and safeguarding
• Work with colleagues to maintain a positive, happy, and safe environment

What we’re looking for

• Full and Relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification (essential)
• Previous experience working with children (ideally as a Nursery Nurse, Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Educator, or similar)
• Passion for making learning fun and engaging for each child
• Ability to build trust and strong working relationships with both colleagues and parents
• Ability to use a variety of communication techniques with both children and adults
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, Child Protection, and the wider legislative requirements for working with children

Bright Horizons are committed to creating inclusive environments where everyone has a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to contribute and thrive in meaningful and impactful ways. We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

We look forward to receiving your application!

If you experience any problems, please email [e-mail] and we will be happy to help.