Early Years Practitioner

NHS; Torquay; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking an Early Years Practitioner to join their vibrant Rainbow Day Nursery team. This role involves supporting and guiding children aged 0-5 years in a nurturing environment. The ideal candidate will have a minimum Level 3 Early Years Qualification and strong knowledge of child development. This position offers permanent and fixed-term options with various hours, emphasizing teamwork and professional development.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Supportive team environment

Work-life balance with no weekends or bank holidays

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 Recognised Early Years Qualification.
• Excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Experience working with children aged 0-5 in a group setting.

Responsibilities

• Support engaging with young children through active learning.
• Foster a caring atmosphere for all children.
• Assist with daily routines and activities.

Skills

Child development understanding

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

NVQ3 Early Years Care and Education or equivalent

Job description

Go back Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Early Years Practitioner

The closing date is 29 October 2025

Are you passionate about nurturing young minds and creating a fun, safe environment for children? Join our vibrant team at Rainbow Day Nursery, where we support and inspire children aged 0-5 years in a caring, inclusive setting.

We are seeking a dedicated Early Years Practitioner with previous experience and a genuine passion for early childhood education. You will work collaboratively as part of a large team, providing high-quality care and learning experiences across the nursery. You may be based with a particular age group or work flexibly across all rooms, depending on service needs.

The nursery is open year-round, Monday to Friday, from 6:45am to 6:00pm. Shift times will vary within these hours.

• Permanent - 30 hours per week
• Permanent - 15 hours per week
• Fixed Term - Maternity Cover (37.5 hours per week, ending January 2027)

What we're looking for:

• A minimum Level 3 Recognised Early Years Qualification, in line with Government guidance Early Years Qualifications Finder
• Sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Excellent understanding of child development and safeguarding
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team
• A high level of professional practice and a nurturing, child-centred approach

If you're ready to make a real difference in children's lives, apply today and help shape their future in a supportive and dynamic environment!

Main duties of the job

Support thenurserynurseteaminengagingwith youngchildrenaged between 3 months to 5 yearsthroughactiveengagement and learningthroughplay

Foster a caring atmosphere by ensuring every child feels valued and included

Assistwith daily routines, from snack time to nap time, keeping things smooth and enjoyable!

#CareToJoinUsTSD

About us

Rainbow Day Nursery is the workplace nursery for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, based at The Annexe nearTorbay Hospital.

We work in an integrated way with allied health care professionals within thelocality andare a motivated and caring team to both patients and colleagues. As such you will be part of a large team, the nursery team are highly valued and have opportunities to progress and undertake regular training.

Working pattern:Our services are open52weeks of the year,Monday to Friday between 6:45amand 6:00pm. To meet the demands of our workplace nursery setting, youwill work a variety of shifts to achieve your core hours.

Work-life balance is important to us, as such our service is not open on Weekends or Bank Holidays.

Upon joining our warm and welcoming team, you will haveopportunities for personal growth through training and workshops.

During your onboarding experience, we will support you whilst during your continuous professional development by enrolling you on to safeguarding children, andPaediatric First Aid training.

There will also be opportunities to undertake bitesize training sessions and workshops throughout the year!

Why work with us?Browse our online interactive booklet to learn more.

Job responsibilities

Our people are caring, committed, inclusive and focused on quality. We focus on solutions and peoples strengths.

If you share our values and vision and are passionate about working with people on what matters to them, you could be a real asset to our Torbay and South Devon Team.

For moreinformation,please see our combined job description and person specification form for full details.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• NVQ3 Early Years Care and Education or equivalent Childcare Qualification
• First Aid

Knowledge and Experience

• Sound knowledge of the needs of children from 0 - 5 years
• Proven relevant experience of working with children from 0-5 years in a group setting.
• To work in partnership with parents and colleagues
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding procedures

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

£24,937 to £26,598 a yearper annum pro rata