Early Years Practitioner (Higher Level)

About the role

Free Spirits is a busy 88 place Nursery, catering for children 6 months to Pre School, located within the grounds of The Freeman Hospital. We are looking for a passionate and energetic full time member of staff to join our team.

Main duties of the job

• Care for and supervise children aged 0-5 years under the direction of the Lead Early Years Practitioner and the Senior Staff/Nursery Managers
• Implement a structured and stimulating environment through play, under the direction of the Lead Early Years Practitioner, as a requirement of OFSTED
• Supervise and assist students whilst on placement
• Settle in new children, working closely with parents/carers under the direction of the Lead Early Years Practitioner

Working for our organisation

As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.

With around 2 million contacts with patients every year, we deliver care from: Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Dental Hospital, Cramlington Manor Walks, Urgent treatment centres, Newcastle Fertility Centre, Northern Centre for Cancer Care, North Cumbria, and Northern Genetics Service. These include a range of flagship services which deliver cutting-edge care (supported by state-of-the-art diagnostic services in both radiology and pathology) and are a catalyst for innovation to support pioneering clinical practice in the NHS.

Qualifications & Education

Essential:

• NVQ Level 3 in Childcare or equivalent (in Childcare)

Knowledge & Experience

Essential:

• Knowledge of Early Years Foundation Stage
• Work in collaboration with colleagues or as an individual providing, delivering and maintaining a high quality, effective structured place of learning

Desirable:

• Previous experience of working with children between the age of 0-5 years

Skills & Abilities

Essential:

• Good interpersonal skills
• Diplomacy in handling issues and confidential information

Pay

Band 3

Schedule

37 hours 30 minutes per week

Interview Date

9 September 2026