Early Years Practitioner

Suffolk County Council; Stowmarket; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Grace Cook Primary and Nursery in Stowmarket, Suffolk is seeking an Early Years Practitioner to join our nursery team. You will work with 2-year-olds or 3–4-year-olds, supporting both new and existing children in a warm, nurturing setting that follows the EYFS framework.

We require an A Level 3 qualification and a caring, creative approach. This is a full-time, permanent role (37 hours per week) with a salary of £26,016–£26,846 per annum.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of child development and the EYFS curriculum.
• A Level 3 qualification is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support both new and existing children during this period of growth in our nursery.
• Play a key role in delivering EYFS activities in a warm, nurturing setting.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative team environment for early years learners.

Skills

Child development

EYFS curriculum

Education

A Level 3 qualification

Job description

• Grace Cook Primary and Nursery
• Address: Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1GG
• Salary: £26,016 - £26,846 per annum
• Hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
• Contract: Permanent. Required as soon as possible
• Reference: 5463

Grace Cook Primary and Nursery offers a unique learning environment for everyone. Full of vitality and exciting opportunities, we pride ourselves on our ability to innovate and lead.

We currently have a vacancy for an Early Years Practitioner.

Looking for an Exciting New Opportunity? This Could Be It!

Grace Cook Nursery, based within Grace Cook Primary and Nursery School in Stowmarket, is a warm, welcoming and nurturing setting where our youngest children are supported to learn, grow and thrive. As our nursery continues to develop and grow, we are looking for a motivated and dedicated new member to join our Early Years team and play an important role in giving our children the very best start to their education.

We’re proud of our positive, supportive working environment, where every staff member is encouraged to reach their full potential. At Grace Cook, we value ambition, collaboration, and a genuine passion for working with young children. In return, we offer continuous professional development and opportunities to grow your career within a vibrant and forward-thinking school community.

We’re looking for a motivated, inspiring, and hardworking Early Years Practitioner to join our nursery team. You’ll need to bring dedication, creativity, and a strong understanding of child development and the EYFS curriculum.

An A Level 3 qualification is essential.

This role will involve working in one of our nursery rooms, either with our 2-year-olds or our 3–4-year-olds and you’ll play a key role in supporting both our new and existing children during this exciting time of growth.

If you’re passionate about early education and ready to make a difference in a nurturing, ambitious setting, we’d love to hear from you!

To arrange an informal meeting or visit to discuss the role with our Headteacher Lisa Mayes, please email [e-mail] or call 01449 833094.

For further information, please visit our website

Closing date: 9 am, 25 September 2026.

Interview date: week commencing 28 September 2026.

Orwell MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be interviewed in line with our safer recruitment procedures, and the successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check. Our school is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age.