Early Years Practitioner (UCSP)

University of Plymouth; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Freshlings Nursery in Plymouth is seeking an Early Years Practitioner (UCSP) to join our team. You will observe, assess and plan for children aged 0-5, support learning through play and work under the direction of the Management Team and Team Leaders. This role requires a relevant childcare qualification and Paediatric First Aid.

The post is permanent, full-time (40 hours) with a salary of £26,149 per annum. DBS clearance is required. We cannot offer home working.

Qualifications

• Must hold a relevant childcare qualification.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• Experience of working in a nursery with 0-5 year olds.
• Ability to observe, assess and plan for children's learning.
• Ability to work in a confidential environment.

Responsibilities

• Observe, assess and plan for children's individual needs.
• Be a play partner and engage in sustained shared thinking.
• Undertake the role of Key Person and develop Learning Journeys with parents.

Skills

Team collaboration

Paediatric First Aid

Childcare experience

Education

Relevant Childcare Qualification

Job description

Early Years Practitioner (UCSP)

Location: Plymouth

Closing date: 18/10/2026

Job details

Salary £26,149 per annum based on 37 hours per week - UCSPL Band A

Contractual hours 40

Basis FR

Permanent Fulltime All Year

Interview date Week commencing Monday 26 October 2026

Job category/type Professional/Support Services

Date posted 19/08/2026

Job reference B1360

Description

About the role

Under the direction of the Management Team and Team Leaders; you will provide routine activities to assist in the delivery of a customer focused cost effective and efficient support service.

Central to roles within Freshlings Nursery is, providing a safe, healthy, caring, inclusive and stimulating environment, where children are respected and supported as individuals and encouraged to learn through play and exploration.

Adopting a child-centred approach means that we keep each individual child in focus when making decisions about their lives and working in partnership with them and their families. We have a shared ethos which recognises that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and that this duty extends beyond the setting, to the child’s home life and elsewhere.

You will:

• Observe, assess and plan for children to meet their individual needs, supporting their learning and development in the seven areas of the EYFS/current curriculum requirements, with a balance of child initiated and adult led activities.
• To be a play partner to children, engaging in sustained shared thinking.
• Undertakes the role of Key Person, producing Learning Journeys for individuals in partnership with parents, children, carers, and colleagues.

This position is covered by the Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2018 Regulations

Freshlings Nursery is committed to the safeguarding and promotion of welfare of children. All positions are subject to individuals securing enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Lorraine Hargreaves: by email at [e-mail]

We’re currently unable to sponsor this role under the Skilled Worker visa route. However, we welcome applicants who already have the right to work in the UK, including those on visa routes we can accept (e.g. Graduate visas).

What we’re looking for:

• Relevant Childcare Qualification
• Paediatric First Aid
• Working within a team (essential)
• Working in a nursery environment caring for children 0-5 years of age
• Child Observations, assessments and planning cycle
• Working in an environment with sensitive or confidential information

For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.

About us

Freshlings Nursery is currently an Ofsted Outstanding provider with high expectations to delivery quality care and education.

Our Offer

We have a wide range of staff benefits available to employees, depending on eligibility:

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here .

The appointed candidate would be employed by University Commercial Services Plymouth Ltd (UCSPL) and would therefore be subject to their terms and conditions of employment. UCSPL is a wholly owned subsidiary company of The University of Plymouth. UCSPL is committed to delivering a superior service in a sustainable way, whilst enriching the experience of our students, staff and wider community at the University of Plymouth through our Early Years Education and Care, Retail Catering, Hospitality and Events.

University Commercial Services Plymouth Ltd's (UCSPL) is a wholly owned subsidiary company of University of Plymouth. UCSPL’s vision is to enrich the experience of the students, staff and wider community. We aim to create a financially sustainable and professional service which currently includes Early Years Education and Care, Retail Catering, Hospitality and Events.

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is building an inclusive and equitable university where everyone feels represented, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is guided by the Inclusive Institutions Framework, a strategic and externally validated approach that embeds these principles across the entire institution. To find out more please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages