Early Years Practitioner (Fixed Term)

Nottingham; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave + bank holidays

Discounted childcare

Employee Assistance Programme

Comprehensive induction and ongoing PD

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

University of Nottingham Day Nursery on the University Park campus is seeking an Early Years Practitioner to deliver child-centred experiences and support each child’s development. You will work with staff and students' children in a nurturing, inclusive setting.

We welcome applicants who are passionate about early years education, with a focus on safeguarding, EYFS knowledge, and collaborative teamwork. Generous holiday entitlement and ongoing development opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• Holds a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification recognised by the Department for Education.
• Passionate about providing outstanding care and learning experiences for young children.
• Builds positive, professional relationships with children, families and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with children and their families.
• Plan and deliver engaging play-based learning experiences to support development.
• Create a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment indoors and outdoors.
• Observe, assess and monitor children's progress with accurate records.
• Promote children's health, wellbeing and safeguarding by following policies.

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification recognised by the Department for Education

Job description

Area
Student Experience and EDI - Child Care

Location
University Park

Salary
£27,277 to £28,372per annum based on a 39 hour per week contract. Posts are initially offered at the minimum salary point with progression to the higher salary point gained through an annual incremental pay rise

Closing Date
Friday 04 September 2026

Reference
REG2118526

Are you passionate about giving children the best start in life? Join a nurturing, creative environment where every day is an opportunity to inspire young minds.

We are looking for enthusiastic and caring Early Years Practitioners to join our friendly and supportive team at the University of Nottingham Day Nursery. Working with the children of our staff and students, you will create a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment where every child can thrive.

Based on our beautiful University Park campus, you'll make the most of exceptional indoor and outdoor learning spaces, including our Forest School, to deliver engaging, child-centred experiences that spark curiosity and support every child's development.

As a key person, you'll build positive relationships with children and their families, helping each child achieve the best possible outcomes while working alongside a collaborative team committed to delivering exceptional early years education and care.

What you'll be doing

As part of our nursery team, you will:

• Build trusting relationships with children and their families.
• Plan and deliver engaging play-based learning experiences that support children's individual development.
• Create a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment, both indoors and outdoors.
• Observe, assess and monitor children's progress, maintaining accurate records
• Promote children's health, wellbeing and safeguarding by following all relevant policies and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to continuously improve the quality of education and care provided within the nursery.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Holds a full and relevant Level 3 (or above) Early Years qualification recognised by the Department for Education (DfE).
• Is passionate about providing outstanding care and learning experiences for young children.
• Builds positive, professional relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework.
• Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a supportive team.
• Is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and can thrive.
• Excellent holiday allowance 27 days annual leave allowance plus additional university closure days (5 days) and bank holidays (8 days) ((pro rata for part-time colleagues).
• Discounted childcare.
• Employee Assistance Programme/Counselling Service- 24/7 support.
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing professional development.
• Excellent opportunities for career progression and further training.
• Access to all range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more see our benefits website

It is a requirement of the post that a satisfactory enhanced disclosure is obtained and that all employment checks are met prior to employment.

Hours of work are 39 hours per week worked mainly Monday to Friday between 7.45am and 6.00pm. Flexibility will be required.

Further information on the benefits available can be found at the link below.

This post will be offered on a fixed term contract until 31 July 2027.

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.

This position does not fulfil the UK Visas & Immigration sponsorship criteria for Skilled Worker, therefore we can only accept applications from candidates who already have the right to work in UK.