Qualified Nursery Educator

Pumpkin Patch Nursery; Steyning; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-owned nursery in the UK is looking for Qualified Educators to join their passionate team. The role involves collaborating with colleagues to provide exceptional education that engages children in activities fostering their development. Ideal candidates will hold a Level 3 Early Years Education Qualification or above. The company offers competitive salaries, a supportive environment, and numerous perks including ongoing training and a focus on work-life balance. Applicants should have previous nursery experience and be committed to high-quality education.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Ongoing bonus scheme

Yearly pay reviews

Paid breaks

Free sanitary products

Qualifications

• Experience in nursery education and collaboration with outdoor leaders and artists.
• Ability to design stimulating activities for indoor and outdoor settings.
• Proven track record of establishing relationships with families.

Responsibilities

• Engage children in educational activities promoting their development.
• Support the growth of apprentices in the nursery environment.
• Adhere to policies and procedures while fostering a positive atmosphere.

Skills

Collaborative education skills

Child development knowledge

Mentoring capabilities

Activity design

Education

Level 3 Early Years Education Qualification or above

Job description

Overview

Pumpkin Patch is a family‑owned company that operates six nurseries in the South Coast. This year, all of our nurseries in Brighton and Hove achieved an Outstanding rating from Ofsted, which we are so excited about! As we expand, we are looking to hire Qualified Educators who share our passion for the Reggio Emilia and Scandinavian Forest School approaches.

What we offer

• Two‑week induction programme both in‑room and with your mentor, plus online support from our Education Team to help you get to know our policies and practices
• Flexible working with part‑time hours available to help your work‑life balance
• Ongoing bonus scheme
• Real Living Wage Employer status
• Christmas to New Year off every year
• Yearly pay reviews
• Paid breaks
• Time out every six weeks for Lead Educators to meet with other leads and develop with our Pedagogistas trained in Reggio Emilia
• A dedicated Wellbeing Team providing special events such as Wellbeing Week with yoga and arts & crafts evenings
• Mental health reps to support you
• International trips to Reggio Emilia in Italy to learn about our ethos and enjoy a fully funded time out of the nursery
• Three inset days a year with workshops (digital, fabrics, marking)
• Evening arts classes to develop your skills – currently funded clay workshops
• Opportunity to work alongside artists in our at‑eliers (art studios)
• Forest School programme at our dedicated site in Steyning
• Staff events such as a Christmas ball at the Hilton and summer BBQ
• Fundraising events such as climbing the O2 or participating in a colour run to raise funds for a local hospice
• Ongoing training to help you achieve your goals, including Forest School, Beach School, Levels 4 and 5, and fully funded SEND training
• Coffee, snacks and drinks in cosy staff rooms
• Free sanitary products in the staff toilets

Role of a Pumpkin Patch Educator

• Collaborate with outdoor leaders, artists and colleagues to provide exceptional education by engaging children in exciting activities that promote their development
• Assist apprentices by involving them in your work, supporting their growth and motivating them to become excellent practitioners
• Design stimulating educational activities that cater to children's developmental needs and interests, both indoors and outdoors
• Establish strong relationships with families to foster a positive connection between the nursery and home
• Adhere to the organisation's policies and procedures
• This list gives a general sense of the main duties but is not exhaustive

Job Details

Job Types: Full‑time, Permanent

Job Hours: 40 Hours Per Week

Salary: £26,624 per annum.

Level 3 Early Years Education Qualification (required) or above, QTS or Level 2 willing to study.

Work Location:
Unit 1, Chanctonfold, Horsham Rd, Steyning BN44 3AA
21 St. Botolph's Road, Worthing, BN11 4JS

All applicants will be subject to full vetting, including a DBS check and a requirement for two satisfactory references from your two most recent employers and most recent work with children.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

Contact

HR: 01903 236643 or email [e-mail]

Application Questions

• How many years nursery experience do you have?
• Which childcare qualification do you have?