Job Description

Early Years Practitioner - Level 3
1st Friends Nursery - Canvey Island, Essex

At 1st Friends Nursery, we provide a happy, safe, and caring environment for children aged 2 to 5 years. Our dedicated and qualified staff foster a calm and stimulating atmosphere, allowing every child to flourish, reach their potential, and develop a love of learning.

We are a welcoming, inclusive early years setting that follows the EYFS framework through a blend of traditional practice and the Reggio Emilia approach, with a strong focus on school readiness, independence, inclusion and SEND support. We work tirelessly to ensure that individual characteristics, including age, ethnicity, socio-economic background, academic ability, disability, gender, religious beliefs and sexual orientation are not discriminated against in any way. We create environments characterised by mutual respect where difference is celebrated and individual differences do not act as a barrier to success.

The successful candidate will have achieved a Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce or equivalent and will be able to apply their wealth of knowledge and expertise to create an environment of the highest standard which stimulates children's interests, progress and development. The successful candidate will relish the opportunity to contribute to the development of our early years provision and help us continue on our journey towards outstanding.

The Role
We are seeking a Level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner to join our dedicated team. The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues to create a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment, supporting children's learning, development and emotional well-being.

The role includes supporting children's progress across all areas of learning, promoting independence and school readiness, supporting children with additional needs, and building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.

Key responsibilities include ensuring health, safety and safeguarding at all times, following nursery safeguarding and child protection procedures, carrying out daily risk assessments, supporting children through play-based and adult-led activities, assisting with personal care routines, promoting children's confidence and self-esteem, working collaboratively with colleagues to plan and deliver the EYFS, attending training and supervision sessions, and maintaining accurate observations, records and assessments in line with nursery policies.

We Can Offer You
We offer a friendly, supportive and dedicated staff team, a nurturing work environment that values work-life balance, ongoing training and professional development opportunities, the chance to contribute to a growing and forward-thinking nursery, a setting where practitioners' voices and ideas are valued, and positive relationships with children who are happy, curious and eager to learn.

Safeguarding Statement
1st Friends Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures, including enhanced DBS checks, references and suitability checks. All staff are expected to share this commitment.

How to Apply
To apply for the Level 3 Practitioner position at 1st Friends Nursery, please complete the application form and return it via email to info@1stfriendsnursery.co.uk.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the role, please contact us on 01268 219096 or visit our website www.1stfriendsnursery.co.uk.

Information about the School

1st Friends Nursery is a warm, inclusive early years setting based in Canvey Island, providing high-quality care and education for children aged 2–4 years. We follow the EYFS framework through a blend of traditional practice and the Reggio Emilia approach, with a strong focus on inclusion, SEND support, independence and school readiness. Our nursery offers a nurturing, stimulating environment where children feel safe, valued and encouraged to thrive, and where practitioners are supported, respected and valued as professionals.