Senior Nursery Practitioner-£500 Welcome Perk

The Old Station Nursery Group; Little Abington; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free childcare for first month

52% discount on childcare

31 days holiday incl. bank holidays

Birthday day off

National College access

Volunteer day

Perkbox discounts

Blue Light Card

Employee recognition

Job summary

The Old Station Nursery Montessori Granta Park is seeking a Senior Early Years Practitioner to lead thoughtful play and high-quality care. You will guide colleagues, model best practice, and help children learn through engaging activities in a Montessori-inspired setting.

You must hold Level 3 EYFS or QTS and bring experience in early years. The role offers a 40-hour week, on-site work, and generous benefits. Sponsorship is not available for this role.

Qualifications

• Experience in an Early Years setting and the confidence to guide colleagues.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS and child-led play.
• Commitment to safeguarding and high standards of care.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe and valued.
• Plan and deliver play-based experiences aligned with the EYFS and children's interests.
• Observe development, keep records, and support next steps.
• Build trusting relationships with families and share progress.
• Support routines, meals, personal care, and rest with patience.
• Model safeguarding, safety, and hygiene to the team.
• Guide colleagues, apprentices and volunteers to build confidence.
• Support Room Leader and Nursery Management to maintain standards.
• Share ideas, welcome feedback, and contribute to improvements.

Skills

EYFS experience

Team guidance

Safeguarding awareness

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 Granta Park, 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: £15.88 per hour / £33,030 per annum, based on experience (40 hours per week).

Hours: Monday to Friday - 40 hours

Location

The Old Station Nursery Montessori Granta Park
Granta Park
Great Abington
Cambridgeshire
CB21 6GP

Where You'll Be Working

The Old Station Nursery Montessori Granta Park is a premium nursery offering four extra learning enhancements for our children; these are Organic growing, Cookery and Language lessons; all delivered in a Montessori inspired way which encourages practical learning at each child’s unique pace. The nursery is located in Granta Park, conveniently located just 5 minutes from M11/A505 junction with quick access to central Cambridge with ample parking. It is a truly unique setting with an onsite Nuffield Health Gym and Restaurant that our team benefit from a 50% discount! As well as beautiful local nature walks to enjoy on your lunchbreak. Own transport is required due to the Nursery being located on the Science Business Park, offering plenty of free on-site parking. Our Nursery is also commutable by the local no.13 bus and Granta Park commuter buses travelling to Cambridge and Whittlesford.

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.

INDA