Nursery Practitioner

Job Description

4 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner (Qualified)

Job Purpose

To work as part of the Early Years team to provide a safe, caring, inclusive, and stimulating environment that promotes the welfare, learning, and development of children aged 0–5 years. The postholder will support the delivery of high-quality childcare and education in line with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), ensuring each child is supported to achieve their full potential.

The Nursery Practitioner will work in partnership with parents, carers, colleagues, and external professionals to meet the individual needs of children while promoting their wellbeing, safeguarding, and development.

Key Responsibilities

Childcare and Learning

• Plan, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate activities that support all areas of learning and development within the EYFS.
  
• Provide high-quality care, learning, and play opportunities that meet the individual needs of children.
  
• Act as a Key Person for a designated group of children, building positive relationships with children and their families.
  
• Observe, assess, and record children's progress and development using statutory and non-statutory guidance.
  
• Maintain accurate Learning Journals and developmental records.
  
• Support children's learning and development through engaging indoor and outdoor activities.
  
• Promote children's independence, confidence, and social skills.
  

Safeguarding and Welfare

• Ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of all children at all times.
  
• Carry out regular risk assessments and maintain a safe nursery environment.
  
• Follow safeguarding policies and procedures and report any concerns promptly.
  
• Record and monitor safeguarding concerns accurately and participate in multi-agency meetings where required.
  
• Maintain awareness of children's medical, dietary, cultural, and personal needs.
  

Partnership Working

• Develop effective working relationships with parents and carers to support children's learning and development.
  
• Share information regularly with parents regarding children's progress and wellbeing.
  
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and external agencies to achieve positive outcomes for children.
  
• Support families through advice, guidance, and home visits where required.
  

Team Contribution

• Work flexibly across all areas of the nursery as required.
  
• Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions, training, and parent meetings.
  
• Support and mentor students and apprentices within the nursery setting.
  
• Act as a positive role model, promoting professional standards and effective teamwork.
  
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.
  

Compliance and Professional Practice

• Follow all nursery policies, procedures, and statutory requirements.
  
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery.
  
• Participate fully in performance appraisal and professional development activities.
  
• Undertake any additional duties appropriate to the grade and responsibilities of the post.
  

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working or volunteering within a nursery, preschool, or early years setting.
  
• Experience of working with children aged 0–5 years.
  
• Experience of observing and supporting children's learning and development.
  
• Experience of working in partnership with parents and carers.
  

Desirable

• Experience of maintaining children's learning records or Learning Journals.
  
• Experience of supporting children with additional needs.
  
• Experience of working with multi-agency professionals.
  

Qualifications

Essential

• Recognised Full and Relevant Level 3 (or above) Early Years/Childcare Qualification.
  
• Current Paediatric First Aid Certificate.
  
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
  
• Enhanced DBS clearance.
  

Desirable

• Safeguarding Children training.
  
• Additional Early Years, SEN, or child development qualifications.
  

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Knowledge of current childcare legislation and safeguarding practices.
  
• Understanding of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
  
• Understanding of child development, learning, and play.
  
• Knowledge of equality, diversity, and inclusion within an Early Years environment.
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, parents, carers, colleagues, and professionals.
  
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  
• Strong observation, assessment, and record-keeping skills.
  

Special Conditions

• Able to work flexibly between 7:45am and 6:15pm, Monday to Friday.
  
• Willingness to occasionally work outside normal hours to support nursery activities.
  
• Enhanced DBS check required.
  
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
  
• Additional Information
  
• Location: Community Vision Nursery, Chestnut Grove, Penge, London, SE20 8PD
  
• Working Arrangement: On-site
  
• Pay Rate: £16.94 per hour (Limited/Umbrella)
  
• Payment Schedule: Bi-weekly
  
• Start Date: Immediate start available
  
• Closing Date: Applications closing soon – early applications are encouraged
  
• Nursery Operating Model: Open all year round, with closure for one week during the Christmas period
  
• Age Groups: The nursery consists of three dedicated rooms:
  
• Baby Room: 0–2 years
  
• Toddler Room: 2–3 years
  
• Preschool Room: 3–5 years
  
• Shift Patterns:
  
• Early Shift: 7:45am – 4:00pm
  
• Late Shift: 9:45am – 6:00pm
  
• Flexibility: Candidates must be willing to work across all nursery rooms and shift patterns as required to meet operational needs.
  
• Environment: Community Vision Nursery provides a nurturing, inclusive, and child-centred environment focused on supporting children's learning, development, and wellbeing through high-quality early years education and care.
  
• DBS Requirement: Successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check in line with safeguarding requirements.
  

Requirements
• Provide high-quality care, learning, and play opportunities that meet the individual needs of children. • Act as a Key Person for a designated group of children, building positive relationships with children and their families. • Observe, assess, and record children's progress and development using statutory and non-statutory guidance. • Maintain accurate Learning Journals and developmental records. • Support children's learning and development through engaging indoor and outdoor activities.