Nursery Early Years Practitioner

YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free childcare for the hours you work

Up to 30 days’ holiday

Cycle to Work scheme

Career development opportunities

Job summary

YMCA Eastleigh Nursery is seeking kind, patient Early Years Practitioners to support children’s learning through play. You’ll build warm relationships, help children feel included and nurture confidence and independence.

The role emphasizes safeguarding and inclusive practice in a vibrant nursery setting. We welcome Level 2/3 practitioners or those studying towards a qualification, with opportunities for training and progression within the YMCA Fairthorne Group.

Qualifications

• Qualified Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Practitioner.
• Study towards Early Years qualification accepted.
• Experience in education, SEND, youth work, healthcare, coaching, community services or care.

Responsibilities

• Build warm and secure relationships with children.
• Help each child feel they belong and support confidence and independence.
• Create engaging learning through play and observe development.
• Follow children's interests and turn daily experiences into discovery.
• Support communication, language and social development.
• Provide safe indoor and outdoor experiences.

Skills

Caring

Patience

Observation

Communication

Education

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Job description

A place where children thrive. A career where you can too.

There aren't many careers where the moments you create today can shape a child's future.

You could be there for a child's first friendship, their growing confidence, or the discovery that sparks a lifelong love of learning. You might help a child solve a problem, ask their hundredth question, or achieve something they've spent weeks trying to master.

That's the impact of Early Years education.

At the YMCA Eastleigh Nursery, we're looking for warm, patient, curious and caring people who want to help children learn, grow and thrive through play-based learning.

Whether you're an experienced Early Years Practitioner, hold a Level 2 or Level 3 Childcare qualification, are working towards one, or are considering a career change, we'd love to hear from you.

Because while qualifications matter, the person behind them matters even more.

A working week with more room for life

Our full-time Early Years Practitioners work 40 hours across four days, giving you:

4 working days, 3 days off every week.

More time for family, friends, hobbies and life outside work. Part-time and job-share opportunities may also be available.

Welcome to the YMCA Eastleigh Nursery

A modern, purpose-built nursery where children have the space, support and confidence to grow.

Inside, carefully designed rooms support active play, focused learning, and restful moments throughout the day. Sleep rooms and breakout spaces help us meet children’s individual needs in a calm and thoughtful way.

Our large garden gives children plenty of room to climb, explore, and enjoy being outdoors, while fresh meals and a strong school readiness focus help prepare them for the next stage.

With a café on site and close links to the local community, Eastleigh feels warm, welcoming, and well connected for families.

Children have space to explore, get muddy, notice the changing seasons, build confidence and develop independence through real experiences.

It’s a nursery where the outdoors isn’t an occasional activity.

It’s part of everyday life.

Children learn best when they're actively engaged, curious and having fun. Learning might look like:

• exploring nature outdoors
• building, creating and problem-solving
• investigating how things work
• storytelling, role play and imaginative play
• developing independence, resilience and social skills

Sometimes the best learning starts with a carefully planned activity. Sometimes it starts with a cardboard box. Both can be equally valuable.

As an Early Years Practitioner, you'll:

• build warm and secure relationships with children
• help every child feel that they belong
• support children’s confidence, independence and emotional development
• create engaging opportunities to learn through play
• follow children’s interests and turn everyday experiences into opportunities for discovery
• support communication, language and social development
• encourage creativity, curiosity and problem-solving
• provide exciting indoor and outdoor experiences
• observe children’s development and use what you learn to support what comes next
• build positive relationships with parents and carers
• support children with different needs, experiences and starting points
• work closely with colleagues and share ideas and good practice
• maintain a safe, welcoming and inclusive nursery environment
• keep children safe through excellent safeguarding and Early Years practice.

While you'll work within the EYFS framework and complete observations and records, your focus will always be the children.

We welcome applications from:

• qualified Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Practitioners
• those studying towards an Early Years qualification
• people with experience in education, SEND, youth work, healthcare, coaching, community services or care

Most importantly, we're looking for people who are caring, dependable, curious and committed to helping children grow in confidence, independence and curiosity.

If you have the right values, we can support your development through training and apprenticeship pathways.

More than your next childcare job

Joining the YMCA Fairthorne Group Nursery is more than finding your next childcare job.

It's an opportunity to shape children's earliest experiences, develop your career in Early Years education, and be part of an organisation dedicated to helping children, young people and families belong, contribute and thrive.

If you're looking for an Early Years Practitioner or Nursery Practitioner role in Southampton, or you're considering your first step into childcare and Early Years education, we'd love to hear from you.

Safeguarding

YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be required to complete appropriate safer recruitment and pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to creating an inclusive organisation where everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect.

We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

We welcome applications from candidates who:

• Hold a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification, are working towards one, or have relevant transferable experience
• Are caring, patient, dependable and enthusiastic about helping children thrive
• Can build positive relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues
• Are committed to inclusive, play-based learning and outdoor experiences
• Understand the importance of safeguarding and safe Early Years practice
• Are willing to follow the EYFS framework and complete observations and records
• Can support children with different needs, experiences and starting points
• Are willing to undertake all required safer-recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check

Applications are also encouraged from career changers with experience in education, SEND, youth work, healthcare, coaching, community services or care. Training and apprenticeship pathways may be available for candidates with the right values and attitude.

We want you to thrive at work and beyond. That’s why you’ll enjoy:

• Enjoy free childcare for the hours you work, with 50% discount on any additional days required
• Up to 30 days’ holiday, plus bank holidays and the option to buy 10 additional days
• A celebration leave day - an extra day off to celebrate whatever matters to you
• Health Cash Plan and access to a wellbeing assistance programme
• Retail discounts, discounted gym membership and Blue Light Card eligibility
• Career development opportunities to help you learn, progress and achieve your goals
• Fantastic day-camp savings - one free week and one week at 50% off per child, every year
• Discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Group, including camping, activities, river hire and day camps
• Cycle to Work scheme
• High-quality resources and a modern working environment
• Most importantly, a warm, caring and supportive culture where you’ll feel welcomed and valued

Up to £30,047 per annum