Nursery Practitioner

SMART Education Recruitment; Great Barr; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart Education Recruitment is seeking a Nursery Practitioner with room leadership responsibilities in Great Barr/Walsall. The role is permanent, full-time, 40 hours weekly, with an immediate start possible.

You will lead either the Tweenies or Toddlers room, ensuring high standards of care and learning within a supportive team. You will implement EYFS, develop activities, monitor progress, and build strong relationships with parents while safeguarding.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or Childcare is essential.
• Previous experience as Nursery Room Leader.
• Experience in a nursery or similar Early Years setting.
• Strong EYFS knowledge and understanding of child development.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and support a small team.
• Excellent organisation and communication skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, welfare, and health and safety requirements.
• Confident in planning activities for different developmental stages.
• Professional, nurturing and enthusiastic attitude.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the daily organisation of your allocated nursery room.
• Provide guidance and support to other practitioners.
• Create fun, stimulating activities promoting development.
• Implement the EYFS framework.
• Support children's communication, confidence, and independence.
• Monitor and record achievements and progress.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Establish strong relationships with parents and carers.
• Support individual routines and interests.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures and nursery policies are followed.
• Collaborate with nursery management to maintain high standards.

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding knowledge

Organisation

Communication skills

Activity planning

Education

Level 3 Early Years Education or Childcare

Paediatric First Aid certification

Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification

Job description

Location: Great Barr/Walsall - Accessible from surrounding West Midlands areas

Salary: £13.03 per hour

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Start Date: ASAP

Number of Vacancies: 2

Ready for a New Challenge in Early Years?

If you are passionate about helping young children learn, grow, and develop, and have experience leading within an Early Years environment, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Take the next step in your Early Years career with a role that lets you shape children’s lives every day, while developing valuable leadership skills.

What's in it for You?

• £13.03 per hour
• Permanent employment offering 40 hours per week
• Full-time position with an immediate start available
• Opportunity to lead either the Tweenies Room or Toddlers Room
• Friendly and supportive working environment
• The chance to develop your leadership and Early Years skills
• A creative, play-based approach to children's learning
• Potential flexibility with working hours depending on nursery requirements
• The opportunity to make a lasting difference in children's early development

The Role

As a Nursery Practitioner with room leadership responsibilities, you will play a key part in ensuring children receive the highest standards of care, learning, and support. Bring your confidence and motivation to a team that values creativity and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the daily organisation of your allocated nursery room
• Provide guidance, encouragement, and support to other practitioners
• Create fun, stimulating activities that promote children's development
• Implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework
• Support children's communication, confidence, and independence
• Monitor and record children's achievements and developmental progress
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment
• Establish strong working relationships with parents and carers
• Support children's individual routines, needs, and interests
• Ensure safeguarding procedures and nursery policies are consistently followed
• Work alongside nursery management to maintain high-quality childcare standards

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or Childcare
• Previous experience working as a Nursery Room Leader
• Experience within a nursery or similar Early Years setting
• Sound understanding of the EYFS and child development
• Ability to lead, motivate, and support a small team
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Knowledge of safeguarding, welfare, and health and safety requirements
• Confidence in planning activities suitable for different developmental stages
• A professional, nurturing, and enthusiastic attitude

Desirable:

• Experience working with younger children, particularly Tweenies or Toddlers
• Paediatric First Aid certification
• Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification or willingness to complete training
• Experience supporting the development of other Early Years staff

Who Would This Role Suit?

If you are an experienced Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Educator or a qualified childcare professional who’s ready to take on the responsibility of leading a nursery room, this could be your next exciting move. This role is also accessible for applicants travelling from Birmingham, Walsall, Sandwell, West Bromwich, and nearby areas.

Interested in Applying?

There are two permanent positions available, with the nursery keen to welcome dedicated professionals as soon as possible.

Smart Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and relevant safer recruitment checks. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. It is an offence to apply for this role if barred from regulated activity with children.