Early Years Practitioner

Job Overview

We are seeking a passionate Early Years Practitioner to join our family run nursery in Killingworth. The ideal candidates will have a strong background in early childhood education and a genuine love for working with young children. This role involves creating a nurturing and a stimulating environment that promotes the development of children aged 0-5 years. As an Early Years Practitioner, you will play a crucial role in fostering children's social, emotional, and cognitive growth through engaging activities and effective communication. We are looking for someone who has a playful and energetic nature which promotes open ended play, natural curiosity and engagement for all children in their care.

Job Role

1. Supporting Children's Development

• Plan, implement, and evaluate engaging activities based on the EYFS.
• Observe, assess, and record children's progress using Famly.
• Promote children's independence, curiosity and confidence through play and exploration.
• Support children's personal, social and emotional development, communication, and physical skills.

2. Safeguarding and Welfare

• Ensure children's safety and well-being at all times, following safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and stimulating learning environment.
• Follow all health and safety procedures, including risk assessments and accident reporting.
• Adhere to policies regarding confidentiality and equality of opportunity.

3. Partnership with Parents and Carers

• Build positive, professional relationships with families.
• Share information about children's progress and achievements regularly.
• Support parents with guidance on children's development and learning at home.

4. Teamwork and Professionalism

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver a consistent and high-quality provision.
• Contribute to team meetings, planning sessions, and staff training.
• Reflect on practice and seek opportunities for continuous professional development.
• Uphold the ethos, values, and policies of the setting.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education and Childcare (e.g., NVQ, CACHE, or equivalent).
• Knowledge and understanding of the EYFS (Statutory Framework).
• Experience of working with children aged 0–5 years in an early years setting.
• Current Paediatric First Aid certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Enhanced DBS check required.

Personal Qualities:

• Warm, caring, and enthusiastic approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reliable, flexible, and able to work as part of a team.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Creative and reflective, with a passion for supporting young children's learning.

Requirements

• A recognised qualification in Early Childhood Education or Childcare is essential.
• Previous experience working with young children in a nursery or similar setting is highly desirable.
• Strong communication skills in English, both verbal and written, to effectively engage with children and families.
• Demonstrated ability to manage groups of children while promoting positive behaviour and learning outcomes.
• A proactive drive to create engaging learning experiences that inspire curiosity and creativity in young learners.

Desirable

• DBS certificate and on the Update Service
• First Aid Trained
• Safeguard Training

If you are enthusiastic about early years education and are eager to make a difference in the lives of young children, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position as either an Early Years Practitioner. We, as a management, want to provide a supportive, nurtured staff team who feel well trained and knowledgeable.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From £12.50 per hour

Expected hours: 25 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount

Work Location: In person