Nursery Early Years Practitioner

East Oakley Source: WhatJobs

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A place where children thrive. A career where you can too.

There aren't many careers where the moments you create today can shape a child's future.

You could be there for a child's first friendship, their growing confidence, or the discovery that sparks a lifelong love of learning. You might help a child solve a problem, ask their hundredth question, or achieve something they've spent weeks trying to master.

That's the impact of Early Years education.

At our YMCA Andover Nursery, we're looking for warm, patient, curious and caring people who want to help children learn, grow and thrive through play-based learning.

Whether you're an experienced Early Years Practitioner, hold a Level 2 or Level 3 Childcare qualification, are working towards one, or are considering a career change, we'd love to hear from you.

Because while qualifications matter, the person behind them matters even more.

A working week with more room for life

Our full-time Early Years Practitioners work 40 hours across four days, giving you:

4 working days, 3 days off every week.

More time for family, friends, hobbies and life outside work.

We are also looking for Part-Time Early Years Practitioners to work up to 30 hours per week, on a flexible working rota from Monday to Friday.

Welcome to the YMCA Fairthorne Group, Andover Nursery

YMCA Fairthorne Group Andover, is a purpose-built nursery and community setting in East Anton, caring for children from babies through to preschool age.

The nursery is bright, spacious and designed to give children plenty of opportunities to explore, discover and learn through play, with large secure outdoor areas for everyday adventure.

And because the nursery sits within a wider YMCA community setting, there is a real sense that children and families are part of something beyond the nursery room.

We want children to feel secure enough to explore, confident enough to try and supported enough to develop at their own pace.

A place to play, learn, make friends and feel that they belong.

Children learn best when they're actively engaged, curious and having fun. Learning might look like:

exploring nature outdoors
building, creating and problem-solving
investigating how things work
storytelling, role play and imaginative play
developing independence, resilience and social skills

Sometimes the best learning starts with a carefully planned activity. Sometimes it starts with a cardboard box. Both can be equally valuable.

As an Early Years Practitioner, you'll:

build warm and secure relationships with children
help every child feel that they belong
support children’s confidence, independence and emotional development
create engaging opportunities to learn through play
follow children’s interests and turn everyday experiences into opportunities for discovery
support communication, language and social development
encourage creativity, curiosity and problem-solving
provide exciting indoor and outdoor experiences
observe children’s development and use what you learn to support what comes next
build positive relationships with parents and carers
support children with different needs, experiences and starting points
work closely with colleagues and share ideas and good practice
maintain a safe, welcoming and inclusive nursery environment
keep children safe through excellent safeguarding and Early Years practice.

While you'll work within the EYFS framework and complete observations and records, your focus will always be the children.

We welcome applications from:

qualified Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Practitioners
those studying towards an Early Years qualification
people with experience in education, SEND, youth work, healthcare, coaching, community services or care

Most importantly, we're looking for people who are caring, dependable, curious and committed to helping children grow in confidence, independence and curiosity.

If you have the right values, we can support your development through training and apprenticeship pathways.

More than your next childcare job

Joining a YMCA Fairthorne Group Nursery is more than finding your next childcare job.

It's an opportunity to shape children's earliest experiences, develop your career in Early Years education, and be part of an organisation dedicated to helping children, young people and families belong, contribute and thrive.

If you're looking for an Early Years Practitioner or Nursery Practitioner role in Andover, or you're considering your first step into childcare and Early Years education, we'd love to hear from you.

Safeguarding

YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be required to complete appropriate safer recruitment and pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to creating an inclusive organisation where everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect.

We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

Requirements

We welcome applications from candidates who:

Hold a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification, are working towards one, or have relevant transferable experience
Are caring, patient, dependable and enthusiastic about helping children thrive
Can build positive relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues
Are committed to inclusive, play-based learning and outdoor experiences
Understand the importance of safeguarding and safe Early Years practice
Are willing to follow the EYFS framework and complete observations and records
Can support children with different needs, experiences and starting points
Are willing to undertake all required safer-recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check

Applications are also encouraged from career changers with experience in education, SEND, youth work, healthcare, coaching, community services or care. Training and apprenticeship pathways may be available for candidates with the right values and attitude.

Up to £30,047 per annum (Dependent on experience)

Benefits

We want you to thrive at work and beyond. That’s why you’ll enjoy:

Enjoy free childcare for the hours you work, with 50% discount on any additional days required
Up to 30 days’ holiday , plus bank holidays and the option to buy 10 additional days
A celebration leave day — an extra day off to celebrate whatever matters to you
Health Cash Plan and access to a wellbeing assistance programme
Retail discounts , discounted gym membership and Blue Light Card eligibility
Career development opportunities to help you learn, progress and achieve your goals
Fantastic day-camp savings — one free week and one week at 50% off per child, every year
Discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor , including camping, activities, river hire and day camps
Cycle to Work scheme
High-quality resources and a modern working environment
Most importantly, a warm, caring and supportive culture where you’ll feel welcomed and valued