Job Description

Early Years Practitioner (0–5 Setting)

Location: Private Day Nursery, Gateshead

Contract: Full-time

Reports to: Nursery Manager/Deputy Manager

About the Role

We are supporting a Nursery in Gateshead who require additional qualified staff to work in their nursery due to expansion of their team as numbers in nursery have recently increased. They must have a minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification. They are seeking a caring, motivated and skilled Early Years Practitioner to join their Nursery team initially to work within their Toddler Room, though must be flexible to cover in Babies and pre-School if required. The successful candidate will play a key role in providing high-quality care, learning and development opportunities for their children, ensuring each child feels safe, supported and valued as they explore and grow.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about early childhood development, with a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and experience working with babies and toddlers in a school or nursery setting.

Key Responsibilities

Childcare & Learning

• Provide a warm, stimulating and inclusive environment for children aged 0–5.
• Support children’s learning and development in line with the EYFS framework.
• Plan and deliver age-appropriate activities that promote communication, physical development, social skills and early learning.
• Observe, assess and contribute to children’s developmental records, identifying individual needs and next steps.

Care Routines

• Support children’s daily care needs, including feeding, toileting, nappy changing and personal hygiene.
• Maintain consistent routines that promote children’s sense of security and well-being.
• Ensure safe sleep procedures are followed.

Safeguarding & Welfare

• Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection, following school policies and statutory guidance.
• Ensure the health, safety and welfare of all children at all times.
• Respond promptly and sensitively to children’s emotional needs.

Partnership Working

• Build positive, trusting relationships with parents and carers, sharing progress and supporting home–school continuity.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Early Years team and wider school community.
• Contribute to team meetings and participate in training, CPD, and school development initiatives.

Environment & Organisation

• Help create and maintain a stimulating, clean and well-organised learning environment, indoors and outdoors.
• Set up, tidy away and ensure resources are used safely and appropriately.
• Support inclusion by adapting activities to meet the needs of all children, including those with SEND.

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years / Childcare.
• Knowledge of the EYFS and child development in the 0–5 age range.
• Experience working in a nursery, early years setting or school.
• Warm, nurturing approach with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work flexibly as part of a team.
• Understanding of safeguarding and a commitment to the welfare of children.

Desirable

• Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• Experience supporting children with additional needs.
• Familiarity with observation and assessment systems used in Early Years settings.

What We Offer

• A welcoming and supportive staff team.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A well-resourced Early Years environment.
• The chance to make a real difference to children at a crucial stage of their development. xbpsjku
• Free childcare for own children.