Senior Early Years Educator

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Buttons and Bows Nursery in Ipswich is seeking a Senior Early Years Educator to lead our toddler room within a Not-for-Profit charity group. The nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and offers all-year childcare for children aged 0-5, with outdoor space and a strong focus on outdoor learning.

Reporting to the Nursery Manager, you will guide a team of practitioners to deliver high-quality care and education that supports development while ensuring children have fun and feel confident.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Level 3 qualification in Children's and Early Years Workforce (or equivalent).
• Good knowledge of SEN and health and safety in the environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the toddler room and supervise a team of practitioners.
• Ensure high-quality care and education that supports development.
• Report to the Nursery Manager and implement best practices.

Skills

Child development theory

EYFS

HighScope approach

Safeguarding

SEN knowledge

Health and safety

Education

Level 3 childcare qualification

Job description

• Buttons and Bows Nursery
• Address: 80 Aster Road, Ipswich IP2 0NR
• Salary: £15.50 per hour
• Hours: 38 hours per week working all year round
• Contract: Permanent
• Reference: 0937

A little bit about us

Buttons and Bows Nursery is 1 of 7 nurseries operated by the Bows & Arrows Group charity - we are a not-for-profit organisation, meaning every penny goes back into developing our nurseries and staff.

We have been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and offer exceptional all year-round childcare for children aged 0-5 years, operating a baby, toddler, and preschool room with plenty of outdoor space - we have a real passion for outdoor learning!

The role

We are looking to appoint aSenior Early Years Educatorto lead our toddler room. You would be joining a knowledgeable team who have a genuine passion for playing their part in making a child's nursery journey full of happy memories, leaving us as confident and independent children.

Reporting to the Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring your team of practitioners deliver high-quality care and education that enhances the development of each child (while ensuring the children have fun too!)

You will need to:

• hold a relevantlevel 3 qualificationin Children's and Early Years Workforce (or equivalent)
• have a deep understanding of:
  • the theory of child development
  • The EYFS
  • The high scope approach to managing behaviours
  • Safeguarding

Also a good knowledge of SEN and health and safety in relation to the environment is required.

This role may suit an experience practitioner who is looking for career progression.

We would love to hear from you if you'd like to be an important part of the team and most importantly, make a difference to our children.

For more information

Please see our website

Please contact Steph by calling 01473 599298

Closing date: 12 October 2026.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and require all staff to share this commitment. Enhanced DBS checks are compulsory.