Early Years Practitioner Level 2

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; Brentwood; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting salary £29,000

Childcare discount 50%

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension

Wellbeing benefits incl 24/7 GP

Career development and coaching

Job summary

Bright Horizons Brentwood Day Nursery & Preschool in Brentwood, Essex, is opening a brand-new 88-place nursery in Spring 2026. We are seeking Level 2 Early Years Practitioners to join the team, delivering engaging activities and a nurturing learning environment for young children.

You will hold a Level 3+ Early Years qualification, share our HEART values, and contribute to safeguarding, EYFS practice, and strong partnerships with parents and colleagues.

Qualifications

• Experience creating fun and inclusive learning environments.
• Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection practices.
• Ability to build trust and positive relationships with families and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Plan, create and reflect on engaging activities tailored to each child.
• Provide a safe, nurturing environment that supports development.
• Collaborate with colleagues and parents to support learning and wellbeing.
• Contribute to daily routines, observations and progress checks.

Skills

Inclusive learning

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding

Parent partnerships

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Nursery –

Bright Horizons Brentwood Day Nursery & Preschool, Coptfold Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 4BL

Salary

Starting from £29,000 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Hours -

Full time - 40 hours, Monday - Friday

Location

Brentwood, CM14 4BL

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”

We are looking for Level 2 Early Years Practitioners to join our brand-new 88-place nursery opening in Spring 2026 in central Brentwood, just a short distance from the Baytree Shopping Centre.

Currently undergoing extensive renovations, the setting is being thoughtfully designed to create a warm, welcoming environment where children can thrive.

The nursery will feature a wraparound garden, giving children the opportunity to access outdoor spaces throughout the day.

With onsite parking available and Brentwood station just a short walk away, this is an exciting opportunity join a new setting in a fantastic location.

Our Benefits

• Starting from £29,000 per annum
• Childcare discount of 50% for first child
• Enhanced parental leave
• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*
• Pension
• Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
• Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach

*Subject to T&Cs*

The Role

As an Early Years Practitioner, you will plan, create, implement and reflect on engaging activities, tailored to each of your key children, to encourage their development towards key milestones. You will create a safe environment that allows children the freedom to express themselves, engage their minds, and help to foster a lifelong love of learning.

What We’re Looking For

• Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification
• Passion for creating fun and inclusive learning environments
• Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection
• Ability to develop trust and strong working partnerships with both colleagues and parents/ carers

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and 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.

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.

Proud of a Great Place to Work for 20 years.

We look forward to receiving your application!