Nursery Practitioner - Level 3

Family First Nursery Group; Colchester; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-regarded childcare organization in Colchester is seeking a Level 3 Childcare Practitioner to join their team. The successful candidate will provide stimulating experiences for children, ensure adherence to statutory requirements, and maintain a clean and safe environment. This position offers competitive salary, numerous benefits including annual leave and employee discounts, and opportunities for ongoing development. Applicants should hold a full Level 3 childcare qualification and have a passion for nurturing children's growth.

Benefits

24 days of annual leave plus birthday off

75% discount on nursery fees for employees

Health and wellbeing program

Company pension scheme

Referral bonus for successful hires

Qualifications

• Full Level 3 childcare qualification is essential.
• Must be fluent in written and spoken English.
• Over 1 year’s experience in Early Years is desirable.
• Knowledge of EYFS statutory framework is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide stimulating experiences appropriate to children’s age.
• Ensure statutory requirements of the EYFS are met.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the nursery.
• Facilitate a strong key-person approach for children.

Skills

Full Level 3 childcare qualification

Fluent in written and spoken English

Experience in Early Years

Knowledge of EYFS regulations

Job description

Tiptree Day Nursery

Level 3 Childcare Practitioner – Full-Time

Salary: £27,060.80 per annum + £400 qualification recognition bonus (paid after 6 months of service). Bonus pro‑rota for part‑time staff.

We are proud of our Ofsted GOOD rating and seek a dedicated, enthusiastic Level 3 Childcare Practitioner to join our team. You will work in a supportive environment that offers ongoing CPD and support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide stimulating and purposeful experiences, environments, and resources appropriate to children’s age and developmental stage.
• Ensure statutory requirements of the EYFS are met.
• Maintain high levels of cleanliness and hygiene, promoting these daily.
• Undertake duties to ensure the smooth running of the nursery and the safety and well‑being of children, staff, and families.
• Maintain strictly professional relationships; report complaints or concerns to management per company policy.
• Facilitate a strong key‑person approach, enabling children to form secure attachments and cover all children daily when colleagues are absent.
• Attend regular team meetings to stay updated on priorities, changes, and company policies.
• Prioritise children’s emotional well‑being.

Requirements and Skills

• Full Level 3 childcare qualification – essential.
• Fluent in written and spoken English – essential.
• Over 1 year’s experience in Early Years – desirable.
• Knowledge of EYFS statutory framework and regulatory requirements – desirable.

Benefits

• Annual leave: Starting at 24 days, plus a paid day off for your birthday and bank holidays.
• Employee discount: 75% off nursery fees for team members.
• Health & wellbeing programme: Confidential employee assistance helpline and mental health first aid trained staff.
• Development: Tailored learning and development opportunities.
• Company pension scheme.
• Referral programme: Receive a cash bonus for successful referrals.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding. All staff will be required to obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate, and this post will be subject to enhanced checks.

Equality Statement

Tiptree Day Nursery is part of the Family First Group and is committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti‑discriminatory practice for all children and families. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, religion or belief, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, ethnicity or national origin, or political belief has no place within the Family First Group.

Location: Colchester