Nursery Practitioner

Level 2 or Level 3 Nursery Practitioner | Part-Time (Mondays & Fridays)

Location: Bridges Day Nursery, Headcorn, Kent
Job Type: Part-time, Job Share
Working Days: Mondays and Fridays
Working Hours: 16.5 hours per week, with the possibility of additional hours
Salary: £11.00 to £14.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience
Age Group: Pathfinders Room, 2½ years to school age

Come and join our team at Bridges Day Nursery!

Are you a caring, enthusiastic and motivated Level 2 or Level 3 Nursery Practitioner looking for a part-time opportunity?

At Bridges Day Nursery, we believe that early childhood is about so much more than preparing children for school. It's about helping children feel safe, valued and confident, building meaningful relationships and giving them the freedom to explore, discover and learn at their own pace.

We are a friendly, independently run day nursery in the village of Headcorn, Kent, caring for children from babies through to school age.

We are looking for a qualified Level 2 or Level 3 Nursery Practitioner to join our Pathfinders team, working Mondays and Fridays as part of a job share arrangement.

Our Pathfinders room cares for children aged approximately 2½ years through to school age, supporting them as they develop their independence, confidence, friendships and curiosity.

We're keen to find someone who genuinely enjoys working with children, takes initiative and wants to make a positive difference to their everyday experiences.

Whether you have years of experience or are newly qualified, we'd love to hear from you.

Working Hours

We understand that finding the right balance between work and home life is important. This position offers a regular two-day working week, with the possibility of additional hours.

We are currently looking for someone who can work:

• Mondays and Fridays
• 8.25 paid hours per day
• 16.5 paid hours per week
• Additional hours may be available, depending on the needs of the nursery.

Our nursery operates Monday to Friday, between 7:30am and 6:00pm.

This position would suit someone looking for a regular part-time role, with the opportunity to work additional hours when available.

You'll work closely with our existing Pathfinders team to provide consistency and continuity of care for the children.

What We Offer

We believe that looking after our team is just as important as looking after the children in our care.

As part of Bridges Day Nursery, you'll benefit from:

• Competitive pay: £13.00 to £14.00 per hour, depending on your qualifications and experience.
• Part-time working: A regular two-day working week on Mondays and Fridays, with the possibility of additional hours.
• Exclusive retail discounts: Access to the PIB Group Employee Benefits Hub, offering discounts and savings across a wide range of popular retailers, including supermarkets, technology, entertainment and everyday shopping.
• Family days out and holiday discounts: Access to the Morton Michel ChildCare Club, providing savings on attractions, leisure activities, holidays and family experiences.
• Employee wellbeing support: Access to a confidential wellbeing support line.
• Training and development: Opportunities to continue developing your knowledge, confidence and professional skills.
• Workplace pension: In accordance with pension auto-enrolment requirements.
• A friendly, supportive environment: Join an independently run nursery where teamwork, communication and individual contributions are valued.
• Christmas closure: The nursery closes for three working days between Christmas and New Year. These days can be taken as annual leave or unpaid leave, subject to agreement and employment terms.

Your Role

As a Nursery Practitioner in our Pathfinders room, you'll play an important part in supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing as they grow in confidence and independence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Creating a warm, welcoming and stimulating environment where children feel safe, happy and confident.
• Building strong, positive relationships with children, their families and your colleagues.
• Supporting children aged approximately 2½ years to school age through meaningful play, exploration and everyday experiences.
• Planning and providing engaging, age-appropriate activities based on children's interests, developmental stages and individual needs.
• Supporting children's independence, communication, friendships and emotional development.
• Acting as a key person where required, supporting children's individual learning and development.
• Observing, assessing and recording children's progress using Tapestry.
• Encouraging children's curiosity, creativity and confidence through both indoor and outdoor learning.
• Supporting daily routines, including mealtimes, personal care and outdoor play.
• Working closely with colleagues to ensure consistency of care and effective communication as part of the job share arrangement.
• Working in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding requirements and nursery policies.
• Contributing ideas, taking initiative and working positively as part of the wider nursery team.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who genuinely loves working with children and understands the importance of making every day meaningful.

Essential requirements:

• A full and relevant NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Early Years or Childcare, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• A good understanding of the EYFS and safeguarding responsibilities.
• A caring, patient and positive approach to working with children.
• The ability to work independently, show initiative and contribute as part of a team.
• Good communication skills and a professional approach when working with parents and colleagues.
• Reliability, enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved in all aspects of nursery life.
• Availability to work Mondays and Fridays.

Desirable but not essential:

• Previous experience working with children aged 2½ to 5 years.
• Experience using Tapestry.
• A current paediatric first aid qualification.
• An interest in outdoor learning, creative play and child-led experiences.

We value practitioners who are approachable, enthusiastic and willing to contribute their ideas. You don't need to know everything, but you should be willing

Pay: £11.00-£14.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Ashford TN27 9SX: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Licence/Certification:

• NVQ level 2 or 3 in childcare (required)

Work Location: In person