Senior Nursery Practitioner-£500 Welcome Perk

The Old Station Nursery Group; York and North Yorkshire; Remote; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free childcare for first month

52% discount based on hours

31 days holiday plus birthday off

National College training

Volunteer day

Perkbox discounts + Blue Light Card

Employee recognition & long-service

Job summary

The Old Station Nursery Group in York is seeking a Senior Early Years Practitioner / Deputy Room Leader to guide practice, support colleagues, and nurture children through thoughtful activities. You will lead by example, deliver EYFS-aligned play, observe development, and build strong relationships with families while safeguarding is a priority.

This role requires a Level 3 EY qualification or QTS and offers caring, supportive team culture.

Qualifications

• Must hold Level 3 Early Years qualification or QTS.
• Experience in an Early Years setting and ability to guide colleagues.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS and learning through play.
• Caring, observant approach recognising individuality.
• Commitment to safeguarding and high standards of care.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe.
• Plan and deliver play-based experiences aligned with EYFS.
• Observe development, keep records, support next steps.
• Build strong relationships with families and share progress.
• Support routines with patience and maintain high care standards.
• Lead by example, guide apprentices and volunteers.
• Support Room Leader to maintain smooth nursery operation.
• Share ideas and contribute to service improvements.

Skills

EYFS knowledge

Team leadership

Safeguarding

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Join Our Team as a Senior Early Years Practitioner / Deputy Room Leader

At The Old Station Nursery, we believe everyone is still growing - little humans and big humans alike. As a Senior Early Years Practitioner at Minster Yard, 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: £29,348 per annumbased on experience 40 hours per week.

Hours: Monday to Friday - 38 to 40 hours a week betweeen 8am - 6pm. 4 days per week.

Location

Little Green Rascals Minster Yard
7 Minster Yard
York
North Yorkshire
YO1 7JD

Where You'll Be Working

Little Green Rascals Minster Yard is a truly unique nursery. Our goal at Little Green Rascals Minster Yard is to create a home-from-home environment, offering natural, locally sourced, and organic products whenever possible—ensuring no added nasties in our food or skincare. Our toys and resources are made from natural and sustainable materials, and even our electricity comes from an ethical supplier as we try everything we can do our bit to help our planet. Nestled in the heart of York, we are conveniently located in the heart of York city centre, with our main entrances on The Queen’s Path next to the Minster and on Deangate.

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.

If you have any questions about the role, our Recruitment Team will be happy to help at [e-mail].

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.