Senior Nursery Practitioner

The Old Station Nursery Group; Herne Bay; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare support: 52% discount after

31 days holiday including bank

Access to The National College

Volunteer day

Perkbox discounts

Blue Light Card

Employee recognition programs

Job summary

The Old Station Nursery Group in Herne Bay is seeking a Senior Early Years Practitioner to nurture and guide children, model excellent practice, and support colleagues across daily sessions. You must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), have experience in an Early Years setting, and understand the EYFS.

You’ll lead by example and support team confidence. You will plan and deliver play-based experiences, observe development, collaborate with families, and

Qualifications

• Must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification or QTS.
• Experience in an Early Years setting with EYFS understanding.
• Ability to lead by example and support colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Creating a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe and valued.
• Planning and delivering play-based experiences aligned with EYFS.
• Observing development, keeping records, and supporting next steps.
• Building relationships with families and sharing progress.
• Supporting routines, safeguarding, and maintaining high standards of care.
• Guiding apprentices and volunteers and supporting the Room Leader.

Skills

Mentoring colleagues

Observational skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

QTS

Job description

Join Our Team as a Senior Early Years Practitioner

Bring your experience, support your team, and help growing humans thrive

At The Old Station Nursery, we believe everyone is still growing - little humans and big humans alike. As a Senior Early Years Practitioner at Herne Bay, you’ll help children learn, explore, and discover while supporting colleagues to deliver thoughtful, high-quality care.

You’ll find space to share your knowledge, develop your skills, and feel proud of the difference you make within a caring nursery community.

Why Join Our Team?

We take care of the people who care for our children and families. Here’s what that means for you:

• Childcare support: Free childcare for your first month, followed by a 52% discount based on your working hours.

• Time to recharge: 31 days of holiday, including national bank holidays, plus your birthday off and an extra day after 3 years of service.

• Space to grow: Access to The National College, with a library of courses and training to develop your practice and leadership.

• Connection to your community: One paid day each year to volunteer and support a cause that matters to you.

• Everyday support: With access to Perkbox, enjoy discounts on shopping, meals out, and everyday essentials, alongside wellbeing tools and online medical services. You’ll also be eligible for a Blue Light Card, helping your money go further with even more discounts.

• Recognition along the way: We celebrate the care and commitment you bring, with Employee of the Month recognition, long-service awards to mark your milestones, and referral bonuses for introducing friends or family to our team.

Pay:£13.54 per hour / £28,163 - £28,163 per Hour based on 40 hours

Hours:Full Time 38 or 40 hours, Monday to Friday (All Year Round)

Location

Townsend Montessori Nursery Herne Bay, Beaumont House
Beaumont Street
Herne Bay
Kent
CT6 8LX

Where You'll Be Working

Townsend Montessori Nursery Herne Bay is situated just off the B2205 Sea Street, on Beaumont Street. The setting is only a short walk from Hampton Primary School and Herne Bay town centre. There is ample off-street parking for the team. Step inside and discover two spacious rooms meticulously designed to create a serene and inviting atmosphere. Each room is equipped with a wide array of engaging resources, providing abundant opportunities for children to play and learn. Our outdoor space is a highlight, featuring a dedicated forest area that invites natural exploration and hands-on learning experiences.

What You'll Be Doing

You’ll bring thoughtful care and purposeful play to children’s days, while using your experience to guide colleagues and model good practice.

One moment you might be helping children follow a new interest outdoors. The next, you could be supporting a colleague with an activity, sharing progress with a parent, or helping a child feel settled and secure.

Your role will include:

• Creating a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to be themselves

• Planning and delivering play-based experiences aligned with the EYFS and shaped around children’s interests and needs

• Observing children’s development, keeping meaningful records, and using what you learn to support their next steps

• Building trusting relationships with families, sharing achievements and listening to their knowledge of their child

• Supporting everyday routines, including meals, personal care, and rest, with patience and attention

• Modelling high standards of safeguarding, safety, hygiene, and care

• Guiding colleagues, apprentices, and volunteers, helping them build confidence and develop their practice

• Supporting the Room Leader and Nursery Management Team to maintain consistent standards and help the nursery day run smoothly

• Sharing ideas, welcoming feedback, and contributing to improvements in children’s experiences

Our values are simple: Own it. Be human. Make it happen. As a senior practitioner, that means taking responsibility for your practice, encouraging others, and working together to turn good ideas into positive experiences for children.

What We’re Looking For

You must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to be considered for this role.

You’ll also bring:

• Experience in an Early Years setting and the confidence to guide and support colleagues

• A sound understanding of the EYFS and how children learn through play and relationships

• A caring, observant approach that recognises each child’s individuality

• The ability to lead by example and offer constructive, encouraging feedback

• Confidence building positive relationships with families and colleagues

• A commitment to safeguarding and maintaining high standards of care

• Curiosity, openness to feedback, and enthusiasm for your own development

We’re looking for someone who notices when others need support, celebrates progress, and takes pride in helping both children and colleagues grow.

Please note: we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

The Old Station Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, verification of your right to work in the UK, and any essential qualifications. If successful, our Onboarding Team will guide you through every step of the onboarding process. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be considered to support fairness and accessibility for all candidates. This role involves regulated activity with children.