Qualified Nursery Practitioner

Childbase Partnership Limited; Cranfield; On-site; GBP 27,040 - 30,929; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days paid leave per annum, rising to 28 days

Work-life balance with up to 20 paid days off

75% childcare discount

Wellbeing support including free meals

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Childbase Partnership Limited is looking for a Qualified Nursery Practitioner to work in Cranfield. The role involves planning activities for children, ensuring their safety and well-being, and collaborating with parents and colleagues.

Ideal candidates will have a DfE approved qualification at level 2 or above and a passion for early years education. This permanent position offers a salary of £27,040 to £30,929.60 annually, along with generous leave and benefits.

Qualifications

• Qualified early years professional with a level 2 or above qualification.
• Skilled in creating engaging learning activities and observing children's progress.
• Strong advocate for safeguarding and child well-being.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement high-quality, engaging activities for children.
• Work as a Key Person, ensuring each child feels safe and valued.
• Build strong relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.

Skills

Knowledge of EYFS

Safeguarding advocacy

Creating learning opportunities

Effective communication

Collaboration with children and parents

Education

DfE approved early years qualification at level 2 or above

Job description

Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary.

Role: Qualified Nursery Practitioner (Level 2 or above).

Location: Cherry Trees Day Nursery | Cranfield | MK43 0ZU.

Contract: Permanent | 37.5-40 hours/week | 52 weeks/year.

Working pattern: Varied shifts Monday-Friday between 07:30-18:30.

Salary: £27,040-£30,929.60 per annum (pro-rata) | £13.00-£14.87 per hour.

We've been delivering childcare excellence since 1989. Within our 44-day nurseries, Head Office, and Training Academy, EduBase, our ethos is simple: we all belong, we all matter, and we all contribute. We believe in 'careers, not jobs', supporting one another to grow and succeed.

Why join us?

• Generous annual leave: 23 days paid leave per annum (pro‑ratio), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
• Work‑life balance: Up to a further 20 paid days off each year through our Partnership Reward Days incentive; take your leave or sell the days you accrue, tax‑free.
• Childcare discount: 75% discount (or 40% grandparent discount) on your fees at any Childbase nursery, from day one.
• Exclusive partner benefits: Long‑service rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts.
• Wellbeing support: Free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye care vouchers and a free will‑writing service.
• Career development: Team inset days, access to online training and apprenticeships through our academy.

About us

We are employee‑owned: Every colleague is a partner with a voice, who helps drive our success; when we do well, we each receive an annual tax‑free dividend.

We are number 1: Ranked top of the Nursery World league tables for our Ofsted outcomes.

We are community driven: Supporting causes close to our hearts, we’ve raised more than £3.5 million for charity.

We are environmentally responsible: Building a greener tomorrow our nurseries all hold Green Flag awards and are powered by 100% renewable energy.

About you

• You are a qualified early years professional: You hold a DfE approved early years qualification at level 2 or above.
• You are skilled in creating opportunities for learning: Your knowledge of the EYFS will enable you to work as a Key Person, planning and implementing high quality, engaging activities that promote learning through play; observing, assessing and recording children’s progress.
• You are an advocate for safeguarding: You will ensure every child feels safe, valued, and happy and their well‑being is promoted.
• You are collaborative: You enjoy working in partnership with children, parents and colleagues, effectively communicating and building strong and positive relationships.

We are an inclusive employer and we welcome applicants of all ages and backgrounds. We’re committed to FREDIE (fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and engagement) and will consider any reasonable adjustments required.

If you meet the essential criteria for this role, your application will be automatically shortlisted for review by our Recruitment Team who will determine if an interview is the next step.

Applicants must currently reside within a commutable distance of the nursery and hold suitable Right to Work in the UK; VISA sponsorship is not available. Safer recruitment checks apply, which include an Enhanced DBS check. If you’re not early years qualified, visit our Careers Page to explore other opportunities.