Nursery Practitioner

Nursery Practitioner

Little Leopards Nursery – The Dixie Grammar School
Salary: £27,080 – £28,080 per annum

About the Role

Little Leopards Nursery is looking for a warm, passionate and dedicated Nursery Practitioner to join our Early Years team.

Working with children aged 6 months to 4 years, you will play an important role in providing high-quality care, education and nurturing support in a safe, stimulating and welcoming environment.

You will help create a genuine “home-from-home” environment, supporting each child's individual development while delivering engaging, play-based learning in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care, education and support for children aged 6 months to 4 years.
• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities that encourage learning and development.
• Support children's physical, emotional, social and educational needs.
• Act as a Key Person, building strong relationships with children and monitoring their development and progress.
• Maintain accurate observations, assessments and developmental records.
• Create a safe, clean, stimulating and well-resourced environment both indoors and outdoors.
• Build positive and professional relationships with parents and carers, providing regular feedback on children's progress.
• Work closely with Room Leaders, the Nursery Management Team and wider Junior School staff.
• Follow all safeguarding, health and safety, hygiene and child protection procedures.
• Attend staff meetings, training, parents' evenings and wider school events where required.
• Contribute positively to the warm, community-focused ethos of The Dixie Grammar School.

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education or an equivalent recognised EYFS qualification.
• Experience working with or caring for children aged 0–5 years. Placement experience will be considered for apprentices.
• GCSE English and Maths or equivalent.
• A genuine passion for childcare and early years education.
• A warm, nurturing and empathetic approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A good understanding of child development and safeguarding.
• A positive, flexible and professional attitude.

Level 2 qualified candidates with a strong passion for childcare and a desire to progress their career will also be considered.

Desirable:

• Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• Experience working within a private day nursery or independent school.
• Experience working with babies and toddlers, particularly under-2s.
• Practical knowledge of the EYFS and Ofsted/ISI requirements.
• Experience using digital learning journals such as Tapestry or nursery management software.
• Knowledge of positive behaviour management techniques.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive Early Years team within an established independent school environment, where you will be encouraged to develop professionally and make a genuine difference to children's early experiences.

We are looking for someone who is caring, enthusiastic, reliable and passionate about helping young children learn, grow and thrive.

Safeguarding

The Dixie Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be required to undergo appropriate safer recruitment checks, including references and an Enhanced DBS check.

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