Nursery Practitioner

SMART Education Recruitment; Wicken; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

SMART Education Recruitment in Milton Keynes is seeking a qualified Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to deliver high-quality care and learning for young children. This permanent, full-time role offers a salary up to £29,500 per year depending on experience and requires dedication to safeguarding and development.

You will work as part of a supportive nursery team, act as a Key Worker, and plan engaging activities while building strong relationships with children and families.

Qualifications

• Level 3 NVQ in Childcare or above - essential.
• 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 with children, parents and colleagues.
• Empathetic and enthusiastic approach.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a busy nursery.

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, 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

Communication

Empathy

Teamwork

Adaptability

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 3 NVQ in Childcare

First Aid training

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.

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 and for this permanent Level 3 Early Years Practitioner role in Milton Keynes