Early Years Practitioner (Fixed Term)

Salary £27,277 to £28,372 per annum based on a 39 hour per week contract. Posts are initially offered at the minimum salary point with progression to the higher salary point gained through an annual incremental pay rise.

Closing Date Friday 04 September 2026

About the role

Join a nurturing, creative environment where every day is an opportunity to inspire young minds. We are looking for enthusiastic and caring Early Years Practitioners to join our friendly and supportive team at the University of Nottingham Day Nursery. Working with the children of our staff and students, you will create a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment where every child can thrive.

Based on our beautiful University Park campus, you'll make the most of exceptional indoor and outdoor learning spaces, including our Forest School, to deliver engaging, child-centred experiences that spark curiosity and support every child's development. As a key person, you'll build positive relationships with children and their families, helping each child achieve the best possible outcomes while working alongside a collaborative team committed to delivering exceptional early years education and care.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with children and their families.
• Plan and deliver engaging play-based learning experiences that support children's individual development.
• Create a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment, both indoors and outdoors.
• Observe, assess and monitor children's progress, maintaining accurate records.
• Promote children's health, wellbeing and safeguarding by following all relevant policies and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to continuously improve the quality of education and care provided within the nursery.

Requirements

• Holds a full and relevant Level 3 (or above) Early Years qualification recognised by the Department for Education (DfE).
• Passionate about providing outstanding care and learning experiences for young children.
• Builds positive, professional relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework.
• Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a supportive team.
• Committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and can thrive.

Before applying, please check that your qualification is recognised by the Department for Education using the qualification checker: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-qualifications-achieved-in-england

Benefits

• Excellent holiday allowance: 27 days annual leave plus 5 university closure days and 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part-time colleagues).
• A generous pension scheme.
• Discounted childcare.
• Employee Assistance Programme/Counselling Service with 24/7 support.
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing professional development.
• Excellent opportunities for career progression and further training.
• Access to a wide range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes, and more.

Further information on the benefits available can be found at https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/home.aspx

Pay

£27,277 to £28,372 per annum based on a 39 hour per week contract.

Schedule

• 39 hours per week, worked mainly Monday to Friday between 7:45 am and 7:30 pm.
• Flexibility will be required.

This post will be offered on a fixed term contract until 31 July 2027.

It is a requirement of the post that a satisfactory enhanced disclosure is obtained from the Disclosure and Barring Service.