Senior Early Years Practitioner

Shorefields; Brentwood; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

21 days annual leave

Birthday off

30% staff discount on childcare fees

Long Service Awards

Wellbeing app

Performance recognition

Training and development

Career progression

Flexible working options

Job summary

Tiny Treasures Day Nursery in Brentwood is seeking a Senior Early Years Practitioner to lead and support the room, ensuring high-quality care and education for children aged 0-5. You will mentor staff, deliver EYFS-aligned activities, and work closely with families to support each child’s development.

You will join a warm team in a well-regarded setting with ongoing training and development opportunities, 21 days holiday, and flexible working options. Immediate start available.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication, organisation and teamwork skills.
• A positive attitude with the ability to lead by example.
• Genuine commitment to providing high-quality early years care and education.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS framework and safeguarding responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Support the Room Leader with day-to-day running of the room and high standards of care, learning and development.
• Create a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment meeting individual needs.
• Plan and deliver age-appropriate activities aligned with EYFS.
• Guide and support other practitioners, sharing good practice and promoting teamwork.
• Observe and record children's development and progress accurately.
• Build strong relationships with children and families and communicate progress and wellbeing to parents.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Organisation

Leadership support

Education

Level 3 EY Qualification

Job description

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 31/10/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: Flexible

Tiny Treasures Day Nursery | 40 or 42 hours over 4 or 5 days

About Us

At Tiny Treasures Day Nursery, we believe every child deserves a nurturing, inspiring and secure start to their learning journey. We are a warm and welcoming setting committed to providing high-quality early years education and care in a safe, stimulating and supportive environment.

Our nursery has a 65-child capacity and has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted. We have recently renovated our garden area and continue to invest in and develop our setting to create the best possible environment for the children in our care.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Early Years Practitioner to join our friendly and supportive team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a current Senior Early Years Practitioner, or experienced Early Years Practitioner who is looking to take the next step in their career, develop their leadership skills and play a key role in supporting the Room Leader to deliver high-quality care and education.

You will help support the day-to-day running of the room, provide guidance and support to other practitioners, and act as a positive role model within the team. You will help ensure that children receive engaging learning experiences and nurturing care that supports their individual needs, development and wellbeing, in line with the EYFS.

We are looking for someone who is caring, confident and organised, with a genuine passion for early years education. You should be enthusiastic about supporting colleagues, building positive relationships with families and helping to maintain high standards of practice, safeguarding and continuous improvement.

The role can be worked over either 4 or 5 days, providing flexibility to suit the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Room Leader with the day-to-day running of the room, ensuring high standards of care, learning and development.


• Help create a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment that meets the individual needs of every child.


• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities and learning experiences in line with the EYFS.


• Support and guide other practitioners, sharing good practice and promoting a positive team environment.


• Act as a positive role model, demonstrating high standards of professionalism and early years practice.


• Observe, assess and accurately record children's development and progress.


• Build strong, trusting relationships with children and their families.


• Communicate effectively with parents and carers, keeping them informed about their child's development and wellbeing.


• Help ensure the room is safe, clean, welcoming and well organised.


• Promote children's independence, confidence, inclusion and emotional wellbeing.


• Follow safeguarding policies and procedures and promote the welfare of all children at all times.


• Work closely with the Room Leader and wider nursery team to maintain consistency and high standards of practice.


• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork and professional development.

Requirements

• A full and relevant Level 3 or above qualification in Early Years.


• Experience working within an Early Years setting.


• Experience as an Early Years Practitioner, with the confidence and ability to support colleagues and the Room Leader.


• A strong understanding of the EYFS framework and how to support children's learning and development.


• Good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.


• Excellent communication, organisation and teamwork skills.


• A positive attitude and the ability to lead by example.


• A caring, patient, enthusiastic and nurturing approach.


• The ability to build positive relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues.


• A genuine commitment to providing high-quality early years care and education.


• A willingness to develop leadership skills and take on additional responsibility.

What We Offer

• 21 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.


• Your birthday off every year.


• 30% staff discount on childcare fees.


• Long Service Awards, including an additional day's holiday after 5 years' service and another additional day's holiday after 10 years' service.


• Access to Wisdom, our employee wellbeing app.


• Work anniversary recognition.


• Monthly staff treats.


• A supportive and friendly working environment.


• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.


• Opportunities to develop your skills and progress your career.


• The chance to make a real difference in children's early development.


• Flexible working options.

Safer Recruitment

Tiny Treasures Day Nursery is strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this unwavering commitment.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The successful candidate will be subject to robust safer recruitment checks before starting, including:

• An Enhanced DBS check with a Children's Barred List check.


• Verification of identity, professional qualifications and the Right to Work in the UK.


• Two satisfactory professional references, one of which must be from your most recent employer.


• An assessment of employment history, with any gaps fully explained.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.