Nursery Practitioner

The Old Station Nursery Group; Dartington; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free childcare for your first month

52% discount based on hours

31 days holiday including bank hols

The National College courses and培训

Volunteer one paid day each year

Perkbox discounts and Blue Light Card

Employee of the Month & long-service奖励

Referral bonuses

Job summary

The Old Station Nursery Group in Dartington is hiring a Nursery Practitioner to support curious children through play and care. You will help children feel safe, valued, and engaged, with colleagues sharing knowledge and growth opportunities.

No formal Early Years qualification is required, and enthusiasm, kindness, and a willingness to learn are welcomed. We offer strong development pathways and a supportive team.

Qualifications

• No professional qualification is required for this role.
• Previous experience in a childcare setting is beneficial but not essential.
• A genuine interest in supporting children's development and well-being.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, inclusive environment where every child feels welcome and valued.
• Help plan and deliver play-based activities that align with children's interests and support learning.
• Build understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and how it shapes daily practice.
• Observe and contribute to records of children's progress with guidance from colleagues.
• Foster positive relationships with families and share updates about children's days.
• Support daily routines, including meals, personal care, and rest, with patience and kindness.
• Follow safeguarding, safety, and hygiene procedures, seeking guidance when unsure.
• Collaborate with colleagues to share ideas and support one another.

Skills

Childcare interest

Kindness

Enthusiasm for learning

Teamwork

Patience

Job description

Join Our Team as a Nursery Practitioner

Bring your curiosity and care -and discover where Early Years could take you

At The Old Station Nursery, we believe everyone is still growing -little humans and big humans alike. As a Nursery Practitioner at Dartington, you’ll help children learn through play, build their confidence, and feel safe and cared for.

You don’t need an Early Years qualification to get started. Bring your enthusiasm, kindness, and willingness to learn, and you’ll find colleagues ready to share their knowledge and help you grow.

Why Join Our Team?

We take care of the people who care for our children and families. Here’s what that means for you:

• Childcare support: Free childcare for your first month, followed by a 52% discount based on your working hours.

• Time to recharge: 31 days of holiday, including national bank holidays, plus your birthday off and an extra day after 3 years of service.

• Space to grow: Access to The National College, with a library of courses and training to develop your practice and leadership.

• Connection to your community: One paid day each year to volunteer and support a cause that matters to you.

• Everyday support: With access to Perkbox, enjoy discounts on shopping, meals out, and everyday essentials, alongside wellbeing tools and online medical services. You’ll also be eligible for a Blue Light Card, helping your money go further with even more discounts.

• Recognition along the way: We celebrate the care and commitment you bring, with Employee of the Month recognition, long-service awards to mark your milestones, and referral bonuses for introducing friends or family to our team.

Pay:£12.71 per hour / £26,436 per annum, based on experience.

Hours: Monday–Friday, 40 Hours per week.

Location

hdc Nursery Dartington, Brimhay
Gidleys Meadow
Dartington
Devon
TQ9 6JZ

Where You'll Be Working

Our Dartington Nursery is situated in a quiet residential area and a short drive from the A38, with easy access from places like Ivybridge, Ashburton and Buckfastleigh. Parking is available outside the nursery for the team. We encourage outdoor learning whenever possible and aim to pass on a love of the outdoors, teaching them how to care for their world and environment. Children can experience planting, growing, harvesting, and food-to-plate so they know where their food comes from. Using resources from our outdoor area, children can welcome guests to their bug hotel.

What You'll Be Doing

Working alongside experienced colleagues, you’ll help create a welcoming nursery day filled with play, discovery, and caring routines.

One moment you might be joining in with imaginative play or helping children explore paint and textures. The next, you could be offering reassurance, helping with lunchtime, or celebrating a new achievement.

With support from your team, you’ll:

• Create a warm, inclusive environment where every child feels welcome and valued

• Help plan and deliver play-based activities that follow children’s interests and support their learning

• Build your understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and how it shapes everyday practice

• Notice and celebrate children’s progress, contributing to observations and records with guidance from colleagues

• Build positive relationships with families and share updates about children’s days

• Support everyday routines, including meals, personal care, and rest, with patience and kindness

• Follow safeguarding, safety, and hygiene procedures, asking for guidance whenever you’re unsure

• Share ideas, lend a hand, and learn alongside your colleagues

Our values are simple: Own it. Be human. Make it happen. In your role, that means being reliable, treating others with care, and getting involved while recognising when to ask for support.

What We’re Looking For

No qualifications are required for this role. Previous experience working in a childcare setting would be beneficial, but isn’t essential.

You’ll bring:

• A genuine interest in working with children and supporting their development

• Kindness, patience, and a willingness to see things from a child’s perspective

• Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new skills

• A reliable approach and the ability to work closely with others

• Openness to feedback and the confidence to ask questions

• A commitment to keeping children safe and helping them feel included

Whether you’re exploring Early Years for the first time or bringing experience from another childcare setting, we’d love to hear what you could bring to our community.

Please note: we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

The Old Station Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, verification of your right to work in the UK, and any essential qualifications. If successful, our Onboarding Team will guide you through every step of the onboarding process. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be considered to support fairness and accessibility for all candidates. This role involves regulated activity with children.