Nursery Practitioner

SMART Education Recruitment; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing training

Professional growth opportunities

Permanent position

Job summary

SMART Education Recruitment in Milton Keynes is seeking a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner for a permanent, full-time position. You will contribute to high-quality care and learning for young children, with a salary of up to £29,500 per year depending on experience.

The role involves key worker responsibilities, planning engaging activities, and supporting children’s development within a warm, nurturing environment. Regular training and growth opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• Level 3 NVQ in Childcare or above – essential.
• Previous experience in a nursery or Early Years setting.
• Sound knowledge of child development.
• Understanding of safeguarding in Early Years.
• Health & safety, confidentiality, and safe working practices.
• Excellent communication with children, parents and colleagues.
• Empathetic, warm and enthusiastic approach.
• Ability to adapt to a busy nursery environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide attentive, high-quality care and supervision.
• Support children's physical, emotional, social, and educational development.
• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities.
• Act as a Key Worker, observe and record progress.
• Model and encourage positive behaviour in a nurturing way.
• Support growing independence, confidence and social skills.
• Maintain a safe, stimulating nursery environment.
• Supervise meals and snack times.
• Keep accurate records including accidents and risk assessments.
• Build positive relationships with children and families.
• Share updates with parents on learning and development.
• Work collaboratively within the team and with students.
• Welcome and support new colleagues and students as needed.
• Engage in planning meetings and professional development.

Skills

Communication with children/parents

Empathy and warmth

Team working

Adaptability

Education

Level 3 NVQ in Childcare or above

Job description

Are you a qualified Level 3 Early Years Practitioner eager to inspire and nurture young minds? This is your chance to join a supportive nursery team in Milton Keynes in a rewarding, permanent role with a salary of up to £29,500 per year, depending on your experience.

This opportunity is ideal if you want to make a real difference during the most formative years of children’s education. You will play a key part in creating a warm, caring, and stimulating environment where children can learn, explore, and thrive.

What’s in it for you?

• Salary of up to £29,500 per annum, depending on experience
• Permanent, full-time Early Years Practitioner role
• Be part of a passionate and welcoming Early Years team
• Support children at a crucial stage of their development
• Ongoing training and opportunities for professional growth
• Take on Key Worker responsibilities and develop long-lasting relationships
• Work in a varied and rewarding environment where every day brings new experiences

The Role

As a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner, you will contribute to the delivery of high-quality care and learning for young children, ensuring their individual needs are met every day.

• Provide attentive, high-quality care and supervision
• Support children's physical, emotional, social, and educational development
• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities
• Act as a Key Worker, observing and recording progress carefully
• Model and encourage positive behaviour in a calm, nurturing manner
• Support children’s growing independence, confidence and social skills
• Maintain a safe, stimulating, and clean nursery environment
• Supervise meal and snack times sensitively
• Keep accurate records including accidents, incidents, and risk assessments
• Build positive, professional relationships with children and their families
• Share updates with parents and carers about children’s learning and development
• Work collaboratively within the team
• Welcome and support new colleagues and students as needed
• Engage in planning meetings and continuous professional development

Skills and Experience

• Level 3 NVQ in Childcare or above – essential
• Previous experience in a nursery or Early Years setting
• Sound knowledge of child development
• Understanding of safeguarding in Early Years
• Awareness of health & safety, confidentiality, and safe working practices
• Great communication skills with young children, parents, and colleagues
• Empathetic, warm, and enthusiastic approach
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a busy nursery environment
• Team-player mentality with a passion for Early Years education
• Experience supporting children with SEND is an advantage
• Relevant training including First Aid is desirable

Location and Package

• Location: Milton Keynes
• Salary: Up to £29,500 per annum (depending on experience)
• Contract: Permanent, full-time
• Nursery operates 51 weeks of the year
• Working hours: 8:00am–5:00pm or 9:00am–6:00pm, weekly shift basis

If you’re ready to join a dedicated team and help young children reach their full potential, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Take the next step in your Early Years career.