Nursery Practitioner

Nursery World Jobs; City Of London; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days' annual leave

Bank holidays

Health cash plan

Season ticket & cycle to work

Employer pension contributions

Ongoing learning & development

Job summary

Poplar HARCA is seeking a warm Nursery Practitioner for Tudor Lodge in Bow, East London. You will provide a safe, stimulating environment for under-five children, delivering age-appropriate learning and play while supporting families and collaborating with staff and volunteers.

You should hold a Level 3 childcare qualification, be caring and collaborative, and committed to ongoing learning in early years practice. DBS checks are part of recruitment, with a focus on safeguarding.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children under five is essential.
• Current first aid qualification and ability to speak a second language would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide a high standard of care, education and support for under-fives.
• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate play and learning activities.
• Support children’s play, creativity, curiosity and development.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents and carers.
• Work with colleagues, trainees and volunteers to provide the best experience.
• Maintain health, safety and safeguarding requirements.

Skills

Level 3 childcare qualification

Caring

Team player

Education

Level 3 Childcare qualification

Job description

Help give local children the best possible start

Poplar HARCA is looking for a warm, caring and enthusiastic Nursery Practitioner to join our team at Tudor Lodge in Bow. This is an opportunity to do more than provide high-quality early years care. You'll be part of an organisation that is deeply rooted in the local community, helping create positive opportunities for children and families across Poplar and Bow.

About the role

As a Nursery Practitioner, you'll play an important role in creating a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment where every child can develop their confidence, creativity and potential. You'll:

• Provide a high standard of care, education and support for children under five.
• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate play and learning activities.
• Get involved in children's play and encourage their creativity, curiosity and development.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with children, parents and carers.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, trainees and volunteers to provide the best possible experience for the children in your care.
• Help create an inclusive environment where diversity is valued and every child is supported to reach their potential.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure relevant health, safety and safeguarding requirements are met.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the nursery and keep your knowledge of early years practice up to date.

Every day will be different, but the focus will always be the same: providing children with a safe, happy and stimulating place to learn and grow.

About you

We're looking for someone who is:

• Qualified: you have a recognised Level 3 childcare/early years qualification or equivalent.
• Caring: you have a warm, patient and supportive approach and genuinely enjoy working with young children.
• Creative: you can plan activities that encourage children's learning, imagination and development.
• Inclusive: you value diversity and are comfortable working with children and families from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Collaborative: you enjoy working as part of a team and building positive relationships with parents and colleagues.
• Responsible: you understand the importance of safeguarding, health and safety and maintaining accurate records.
• Committed to learning: you're keen to keep developing your skills and knowledge throughout your early years career.

Experience of working with children under five is essential. A current first aid qualification and the ability to speak a second language would be advantageous.

Why Poplar HARCA

Poplar HARCA is an award-winning housing and regeneration community association based in East London. We own and manage over 10,000 homes and invest around £4m each year in community regeneration.

We're all about creating opportunities for people in Poplar and Bow. From building new homes, to bringing people together through community events and upskilling residents through training and development opportunities.

We're looking for people to match our passion and help us make a difference. If you're ready to collaborate, use your skills, and help transform our corner of east London, we want to hear from you.

Benefits

• 25 days' annual leave + bank holidays
• 3 extra days off between Christmas and the New Year

• Health cash plan covering medical, dental, wellness and vision
• Access to season ticket and cycle to work schemes
• Opportunity to join a pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Due to the nature of this post, an Enhanced DBS check and Children's Barred List check will be required as part of the recruitment process.

Closing date: Friday 9th October 2026 (5.00pm)