Nursery Practitioner – Northolt, Colchester | Up to £14.50ph

Early Years Academy; Colchester; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Early Years Academy is seeking a Nursery Practitioner for a position in Colchester. You will support babies, toddlers and preschool children, delivering high-quality care and early education in line with the EYFS framework.

The role emphasizes safeguarding, teamwork and building strong relationships with families. Competitive hourly rate up to £14.50, with progression opportunities within an Early Years setting.

Qualifications

• A recognised Childcare or Early Years qualification appropriate to the position.
• Good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Experience with safeguarding procedures and child protection responsibilities.
• Experience working with babies, toddlers or preschool children is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care and early education for babies, toddlers and preschool children.
• Support children’s learning in line with the EYFS framework.
• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities.
• Observe and record children’s development and progress.
• Maintain a safe, clean, welcoming nursery environment.

Skills

Childcare qualification

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding knowledge

Experience with babies

SEND experience

Job description

NURSERY PRACTITIONER – NORTHOLT, COLCHESTER

Location: Northolt, Colchester, Essex – exact location to be confirmed

Salary: Up to £14.50 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience

Position: Nursery Practitioner / Childcare Practitioner / Early Years Educator

Recruitment Agency: Early Years Academy

NURSERY PRACTITIONER JOB IN COLCHESTER – EARN UP TO £14.50 PER HOUR

Are you a passionate, caring and enthusiastic Nursery Practitioner looking for an exciting new childcare opportunity in the Colchester area?

Early Years Academy is recruiting a dedicated and motivated Nursery Practitioner for an Early Years opportunity in Colchester, offering a competitive hourly rate of up to £14.50, depending on qualifications and experience.

This is an excellent opportunity for a childcare professional who enjoys working with babies, toddlers and preschool children, creating engaging learning experiences and making a positive difference during children’s earliest years.

We are looking for someone who is committed to delivering high-quality childcare and early education, understands the importance of safeguarding and enjoys working collaboratively as part of a nursery team.

As a Nursery Practitioner, you will play an important role in supporting children’s learning and development in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), building positive relationships with families and creating a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment.

Whether you’re an experienced Nursery Practitioner looking for a fresh challenge or an Early Years Educator seeking a rewarding new opportunity, we would love to hear from you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Nursery Practitioner, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing high-quality care and early education for babies, toddlers and preschool children.
• Supporting children’s learning and development in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework.
• Planning and delivering creative, engaging and age-appropriate learning experiences.
• Encouraging children’s independence, confidence, curiosity and communication skills.
• Observing, assessing and recording children’s developmental progress.
• Supporting children’s individual interests, abilities and learning needs.
• Acting as a key person for an allocated group of children, where required.
• Building secure, positive and nurturing relationships with children.
• Creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports every child’s development.
• Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Maintaining a safe, clean, welcoming and stimulating nursery environment.
• Promoting children’s emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour.
• Supporting children’s personal care routines, including mealtimes, toileting, hygiene and rest periods.
• Encouraging outdoor learning, sensory exploration and learning through play.
• Building positive relationships with parents and carers and communicating children’s progress.
• Working collaboratively with nursery colleagues to maintain high standards of childcare.
• Following safeguarding, child protection, health and safety and nursery policies.
• Maintaining accurate records and completing observations and assessments as required.
• Participating in staff meetings, training and professional development activities.
• Supporting the nursery’s commitment to providing high-quality Early Years education.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate should have:

• A recognised Childcare or Early Years qualification appropriate to the position.
• Previous experience working with young children in a nursery, preschool or Early Years setting.
• A good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and child protection responsibilities.
• The ability to provide safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate childcare.
• Confidence planning and delivering engaging learning experiences.
• Strong communication, organisation and teamwork skills.
• A caring, enthusiastic and professional approach.
• A genuine passion for supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive Early Years practice.
• The ability to follow nursery policies, procedures and safeguarding requirements.
• Experience working with babies, toddlers or preschool children, supporting children with SEND or undertaking key-person responsibilities would be advantageous.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

We are looking for a Nursery Practitioner who is:

• Warm, friendly and approachable.
• Passionate about working with young children.
• Caring, patient and understanding.
• Creative and enthusiastic when planning activities.
• Reliable, organised and committed.
• Confident communicating with children, parents and colleagues.
• Able to work independently and as part of a nursery team.
• Responsive to children’s individual needs and interests.
• Dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare.
• Committed to providing an inclusive and nurturing learning environment.
• Motivated to develop their Early Years knowledge and skills.
• Professional, positive and enthusiastic about childcare.

SALARY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Competitive hourly rate of up to £14.50, depending on qualifications and experience.

Opportunity to work as a Nursery Practitioner in an Early Years setting.

Opportunity to develop Early Years knowledge and professional skills.

Opportunity to support children’s learning and development during their earliest years.

Opportunity to strengthen skills in curriculum planning, observations and assessments.

Opportunity to gain experience supporting children with a range of individual needs.

Scope to discuss continued professional development and future career progression.

Working hours, contract arrangements and any additional employment benefits will be confirmed during the recruitment process.

WHY WORK AS A NURSERY PRACTITIONER?

Working as a Nursery Practitioner is an incredibly rewarding career that allows you to make a lasting difference in children’s lives.

During their earliest years, children develop essential communication, social, emotional and physical skills that provide the foundations for future learning.

As an Early Years professional, you will help children explore their interests, build confidence, develop independence and discover the world around them.

Every day brings opportunities to create memorable learning experiences, support important developmental milestones and build meaningful relationships with children and their families.

For passionate childcare professionals, a Nursery Practitioner position offers the opportunity to use their skills and experience to help children thrive.

WHY APPLY THROUGH EARLY YEARS ACADEMY?

Early Years Academy specialises in Early Years and Education recruitment, helping qualified childcare professionals find rewarding opportunities with nursery employers.

Our recruitment team understands the Early Years sector and the importance of matching candidates with positions that suit their qualifications, experience and career aspirations.

When you apply through Early Years Academy, we can support you throughout the recruitment process, including:

• Discussing your qualifications, experience and career preferences.
• Providing information about suitable nursery opportunities.
• Supporting your application and communicating with prospective employers.
• Helping coordinate interviews and next steps.
• Keeping you informed throughout the recruitment process.

Whether you’re looking for your next Nursery Practitioner position or an opportunity to continue developing your childcare career, Early Years Academy is here to help.

SAFEGUARDING AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Early Years Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Appointment will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, right-to-work verification and confirmation of relevant qualifications.

We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds and are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the recruitment process.