Senior Nursery Practitioner-£500 Welcome Perk

The Old Station Nursery Group; Royston; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Welcome bonus

Free childcare for first month

60% discount on childcare after trial

31 days holiday including bank hols

National College courses access

Volunteer day

Perkbox discounts

Blue Light Card

Employee of the Month

Long-service awards

Referral bonuses

Job summary

The Old Station Nursery Royston is seeking a Senior Early Years Practitioner to join our warm, caring team. You will guide colleagues, support high-quality EYFS practice, and nurture children's development through thoughtful, play-based experiences.

With a Level 3 EY qualification or QTS, you’ll lead by example, support families, and help maintain outstanding safeguarding and care standards across the setting in Royston, Hertfordshire.

Qualifications

• Experience in an Early Years setting and the confidence to guide and support colleagues.
• Strong understanding of EYFS and how children learn through play and relationships.
• Commitment to safeguarding and maintaining 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 use insights for next steps.
• Build trusting relationships with families and share progress with parents.
• Support daily routines with patience and care.
• Lead by example and provide constructive feedback to colleagues.

Skills

Early Years experience

Leadership

Safeguarding

Education

Level 3 EY 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 Royston, 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:

• Warm Welcome:£750 welcome bonus

• 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: £30,222.40 - £32,281.60 per Annum, based on experience (40 hours per week).

Hours:40 hours per week. Monday to Friday.

Location

Sunhill Montessori Nursery
Grantham Close
Royston
Hertfordshire
SG8 5WY

Where You'll Be Working

Sunhill Day Nursery Royston is a bright, purpose-built, premium nursery offering three distinct learning enhancements for our children: Montessori, organic growing and food and child-friendly cooking classes. These important learning experiences help set our Royston nursery apart from others by equipping children with a deep understanding of the environment, sustainable living, and the exciting process of cooking with their own organic produce. Our nursery is made up for 4 rooms - our baby room, toddler room, 2- 3 year olds and pre school. Free onsite parking - accessible from the A10 and A505. If you don't drive, we are within walking distance of the train station (train lines running from Cambridge to London). Situated on the edge of the commercial area in the Northern outskirts of Royston, adjacent to Tesco, Johnson Matthey and other major employers, we are ideally located within walking distance of the train station and readily accessible from the A10 and A505. Parking is available onsite.

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