Nursery Practitioner

Nursery Practitioner (Level 2 or Level 3)

Full-time | £26,000 to £28,500 per annum, depending on qualification and experience | Tattenhall, Cheshire
Start date: December 2026 | Nursery opens January 2027

Little Oaks is an exciting new independent day nursery opening in Tattenhall in January 2027, with 37 places for children aged 0 to 5. We are recruiting practitioners to join our founding team across all three rooms.

As a Nursery Practitioner, you will be based primarily in one room and act as a key person to a small group of children. Consistent, warm relationships are central to our approach, helping children feel secure, happy and confident while they are at nursery.

You will work closely with your Room Leader to create a calm, engaging environment and maintain high standards of care and learning throughout the day.

The role

• Care for and support children's learning through play, indoors and outdoors.
• Act as key person to a small group of children, building close relationships with them and their families.
• Observe children and adapt experiences and provision around their interests, development and individual needs.
• Deliver the EYFS through a nature-led, play-based approach.
• Support children with routines, meals, sleep, personal care and transitions.
• Keep accurate records and contribute to assessments.
• Speak with parents daily about how their child's day has gone.
• Help maintain a clean, safe, well-organised environment.
• Follow safeguarding and health and safety procedures at all times.

What we are looking for

Essential

• A full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification that enables you to count in EYFS staff-to-child ratios.
• Sound understanding of the EYFS and child development.
• Experience working with young children in an early years setting.
• A clear commitment to safeguarding and high professional standards.
• Willingness to spend significant time outdoors in all weathers.

Desirable

• Current Paediatric First Aid certificate
• Experience working across more than one age group.
• Interest or experience in outdoor learning or Forest School approaches.

What we offer

Time off. 25 days’ holiday, 8 bank holidays, your birthday off and a paid Christmas closure, so around 37 days off each year. We are deliberately generous, because we want people who are well rested and fully engaged when they are here.

• 50% discount on childcare fees for your own children
• High staff-to-child ratios
• Company pension
• On-site parking
• Enhanced DBS, paediatric first aid and required training paid for
• Funded progression from Level 2 to Level 3, and CPD beyond that

Safeguarding

Little Oaks Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, identity and suitability checks and satisfactory references.

How to apply

Send your CV. We are happy to arrange an informal conversation beforehand if that would help and arrangements can be made for you to see the nursery and the vision that Elizabeth (owner) has for it.

Pay: £26,000.00-£28,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• What do you believe makes an excellent nursery and why you want to build Little Oaks with us?

Licence/Certification:

• level 2 Early Years qualification (or above) (required)

Work Location: In person