Nursery Practitioner

SMART Education Recruitment; Stafford; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

PAYE or Umbrella payments

Job summary

SMART Education Recruitment is seeking a dedicated Nursery Practitioner to support young children across Walsall settings, offering flexible hours and varied Early Years exposure. You will join a warm team and help children learn through play and exploration, following EYFS practices.

Ideal candidates hold Level 2/3 EY qualification, with safeguarding knowledge and strong communication skills. DBS and references are preferred.

Qualifications

• Recognised Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent) is essential.
• Experience working in a nursery or Early Years setting.
• Good understanding of EYFS.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures.
• Ability to create age-appropriate learning opportunities.
• Caring, patient, and nurturing approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Paediatric First Aid is desirable.
• Enhanced Child DBS on Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.
• Ability to provide references covering the last 24 months.

Responsibilities

• Support children's learning and development in line with EYFS.
• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities.
• Promote independence, curiosity, and social skills.
• Create opportunities for exploration, investigation, and learning through play.
• Observe children and monitor developmental progress.
• Foster strong relationships with children, colleagues and parents/carers.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and stimulating early years environment.
• Work collaboratively with the wider Early Years team.
• Ensure high standards of safeguarding, health and safety, and welfare.

Education

Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Are you a dedicated Nursery Practitioner passionate about supporting young children in their early development? This flexible opportunity in Walsall enables you to make a real impact in Early Years settings while fitting work around your life or expanding your experience.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive hourly pay of £14.24 £15.52
• Flexible, part-time, and full-time opportunities to suit your schedule
• Choice of PAYE or Umbrella payment
• Day-to-day shifts, regular weekly work, and longer-term placements available
• Experience different Early Years settings across Walsall
• Develop your Early Years skills and build your confidence

The Role

As a Nursery Practitioner, you will be part of a warm, welcoming Early Years team dedicated to creating nurturing, stimulating environments where children can safely explore and develop. You ll actively promote learning through play, exploration, and child-led activities, supporting each child s unique journey.

Responsibilities

• Support children s learning and development in line with the EYFS framework
• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities
• Promote children s independence, curiosity, and social skills
• Create opportunities for exploration, investigation, and learning through play
• Observe children and contribute to monitoring their developmental progress
• Foster strong relationships with children, colleagues, and parents/carers
• Maintain a safe, clean, and stimulating early years environment
• Work collaboratively with the wider Early Years team
• Ensure high standards of safeguarding, health and safety, and welfare

Skills and Experience

• A recognised Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent) is essential
• Experience working in a nursery or Early Years setting
• Good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures
• Ability to create age-appropriate learning opportunities
• Caring, patient, and nurturing approach
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Paediatric First Aid is desirable
• Enhanced Child DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one
• Ability to provide references covering the last 24 months

Location and Package

• Walsall Various Early Years settings
• Hourly pay: £14.24 £15.52 (PAYE or Umbrella)
• Flexible hours: full-time, part-time, and shift options to suit your availability
• Contract role starting October 2026

If you are an enthusiastic Nursery Practitioner ready to make a positive difference in children s lives and enjoy the flexibility to shape your working week this is an excellent chance to develop your skills and experience.