Early Years Social & Emotional Learning Practitioner

Early Years Social & Emotional Learning Practitioner

A rewarding, part-time educator role, ideal for early years or primary practitioners who are passionate about supporting families to build confidence in managing big feelings and everyday moments together.

About Babyzone

At Babyzone, we believe that every child deserves the strongest possible start in life, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our community-driven hubs provide warm, inclusive spaces where families feel welcomed, supported and confident.

Nest is one of Babyzone’s practical, research-informed sessions, designed to help parents and children (aged 0-5) build social and emotional skills through play, connection and shared routines. Delivered within our hubs, the programme helps families feel more confident handling tantrums, staying calm under stress, and building connection with their child.

Why This Role is Perfect for You

Are you an experienced early years or primary educator who enjoys working directly with families? Are you confident leading small groups and passionate about learning through play and relationship?

This role is particularly suited to practitioners seeking flexible, part-time work alongside other roles or commitments. It offers a meaningful opportunity to deliver high quality, curriculum-based sessions while being part of a supportive, values-driven organisation.

The Opportunity

As a Nest Practitioner, you will deliver Babyzone’s Nest curriculum at Babyzone Blackburn each week. You will play a vital role in creating a warm, engaging and safe environment where parents, carers and children learn together, with the carer-child relationship at the centre of every session.

You will:

• Deliver the Nest curriculum with fidelity, ensuring sessions follow the intended structure, learning goals and ethos
• Lead fixed ritual elements such as the Hello Song, Feelings Map check-in and Goodbye Song, which give children a predictable and regulating structure across the programme
• Make small, appropriate adjustments to delivery in response to the needs of local families while preserving core content
• Prepare thoroughly for each session, including completing required online pre delivery modules on the Babyzone learning platform
• Create a warm, inclusive and supportive atmosphere where all families feel encouraged to participate, without ever requiring participation
• Model calm, regulated adult presence, understanding that children borrow calm from the adults around them
• Manage group dynamics to maintain a calm, positive and engaging session environment
• Prioritise safeguarding, safety and wellbeing at all times, in line with Babyzone expectations
• Work collaboratively with the Hub Manager and wider Babyzone team to support smooth hub delivery and continuous improvement
• Support the set-up and breakdown of the Babyzone space and be available during hub hours on delivery days
• Maintain accurate attendance and session records, delivering sessions to a maximum of 12 families per session.

What You’ll Need We’re looking for someone who:

• Has professional teaching experience with nursery, pre-primary or primary-aged children
• Has a strong understanding of early childhood development and social and emotional learning
• Is confident building trust and rapport with families from diverse backgrounds
• Communicates clearly and confidently with both adults and children
• Is reliable, organised and comfortable delivering structured, curriculum-based sessions
• Has a strong awareness of safeguarding responsibilities and a commitment to safe practice

Personal Attributes

You will be someone who:

• Is deeply aligned with Babyzone’s mission, values and way of working
• Brings warmth, kindness and respect to their work with families
• Is enthusiastic about children’s emotional development and passionate aboutsupporting families’ confidence
• Is reflective, open to feedback and committed to developing their practice
• Is dependable and excited to contribute to a positive Babyzone community setting

Role Details

• Location: Blackburn Youth Zone, Jubilee Street, Blackburn, BB1 1EP
• Hours: Wednesdays 9:30-2:30 (term time only)
• Contract: Part-time, self-employed (professional indemnity and public liability insurance required)
• Pay: £175 per delivery day
• Start Date: 2nd of November 2026
• Reports to: Hub Manager / Programme Lead

What We Offer

• Full training on the Nest curriculum and Babyzone ethos
• A supportive team environment with ongoing coaching and guidance
• Flexible, part-time work that fits around other commitments
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on families’ early emotionaldevelopment

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