Senior Nursery Practitioner-£1000 Welcome Perk

The Old Station Nursery; Margate; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free childcare for 1 month then 52% 할인

31 days holiday + birthday off + extra

Access to The National College courses

Paid volunteering day

Perkbox discounts & Blue Light Card

Employee recognition programs

Job summary

The Old Station Nursery Group is hiring a Senior Early Years Practitioner for The Avenues in Margate. You will lead thoughtful play and care, guiding colleagues to deliver high-quality experiences for children aged the early years.

A Level 3 EYFS qualification or QTS is required, with a focus on safeguarding and strong parent communication. You will work 40 hours per week, 8am-6pm, in a warm nursery environment that supports staff development and community involvement.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of EYFS and how children learn through play and relationships.
• Ability to model good practice and provide constructive feedback to staff.
• Experience guiding and supporting colleagues in a nursery setting.
• Commitment to safeguarding and maintaining high standards of care.
• Willingness to participate in professional development and leadership duties.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe and valued.
• Plan and deliver play-based experiences aligned with EYFS.
• Observe development and keep meaningful records to inform next steps.
• Build trusting relationships with families and share progress.
• Support daily routines including meals, personal care and rest with patience.
• Model safeguarding, hygiene, and high care standards.
• Support Room Leader and Nursery Management to maintain consistency.

Skills

EYFS knowledge

Guiding colleagues

Childcare experience

Observation & assessment

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 The Avenues, 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: from £13.80 - £14.58 per hour / £28,704 - £30,326 per annum depending on experience(40 hours per week)

Hours: Full-time40 hours per week 8am-6pm

Location

The Avenues Montessori Nursery
406 Northdown Road
Margate
Kent
CT9 3PG

Where You'll Be Working

The Avenues Montessori Nursery is situated in the charming Cliftonville area of Margate. Our nursery features two well-equipped and stimulating rooms, designed to provide an optimal learning environment. With free-flow access to a garden space, children have ample opportunities to explore and discover at their own pace. The Avenues Montessori Nursery is situated on Northdown Road, Cliftonville and is only a short walk from Margate town centre. Parking is available on the roads close to the nursery.

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.