Senior Nursery Practitioner

Willingcare; Royston; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted childcare

Christmas closure

Your birthday off

Pension scheme

Training and development opportunities

Long service awards

Wellbeing programme

Job summary

Willingcare is seeking a Senior Nursery Practitioner (Level 3) in Royston to lead in a busy nursery setting. The role focuses on delivering high-quality Early Years education while supporting colleagues and maintaining excellent safeguarding standards.

You’ll work 40 hours per week with a salary up to £32,200, enjoying a warm,Montessori‑inspired learning environment and access to staff benefits designed to support professional development and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Must hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification.
• Strong nursery or Early Years setting experience.
• Experience as a Senior Nursery Practitioner or senior practitioner level is beneficial.
• Solid knowledge of EYFS and child development.
• Understanding of Montessori-inspired Early Years practice is desirable.
• Confident in supporting and guiding other practitioners.
• Warm, nurturing and professional approach with good safeguarding knowledge.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistently high-quality care and Early Years education.
• Support and guide other practitioners within the room.
• Maintain high standards of practice, routines and organisation.
• Create engaging experiences around each child's interests and development.
• Encourage independence, choice and child-led exploration.
• Utilise the nursery space and free-flow garden to support learning.
• Observe progress and plan meaningful next steps with families.

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Job Description

Senior Nursery Practitioner – Level 3

Up to £32,200 per year | 40 Hours per Week

A thoughtfully designed nursery gives children the freedom to move, make choices and become increasingly confident in their own abilities.

This bright, purpose‑built nursery provides a spacious and welcoming environment where Montessori‑inspired principles form an important part of everyday learning. Children are encouraged to explore their interests, develop independence and learn through meaningful experiences, supported by carefully considered environments and resources.

With free‑flow access to the garden, children can move naturally between indoor and outdoor learning throughout the day. The nursery combines exceptional standards of care with unique learning opportunities designed to encourage curiosity, confidence and individual development.

As a Senior Nursery Practitioner, you’ll remain hands‑on with the children while taking on additional responsibility within the room, supporting colleagues and helping to maintain consistently high standards of Early Years practice.

What We’re Looking For

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above
• Strong experience within a nursery or Early Years setting
• Previous experience as a Senior Nursery Practitioner or experienced Nursery Practitioner would be beneficial
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS and child development
• An understanding of or interest in Montessori‑inspired Early Years practice
• Confidence supporting and guiding other practitioners
• A warm, nurturing and professional approach
• Good safeguarding and child protection knowledge
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

What You’ll Receive

• Salary up to £32,200
• 40 hours per week
• Discounted childcare
• Christmas closure
• Your birthday off
• Pension scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Long service awards
• Wellbeing programme

Taking on a Senior Role

• Provide consistently high‑quality care and Early Years education
• Act as a positive role model and support other practitioners within the room
• Help maintain high standards of practice, routines and organisation
• Create engaging experiences around children's individual interests and development
• Encourage independence, choice and child‑led exploration
• Make full use of the nursery's spacious rooms and free‑flow garden
• Support children to benefit from the nursery's varied and unique learning opportunities
• Observe children's progress and ensure meaningful next steps are planned
• Provide guidance and support to less experienced members of the team
• Build strong relationships with children and families
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

Reference: WILL261544/DB