About the role

We are looking for a Senior Early Years Practitioner to join our Childcare Services team at the University of Nottingham. This is an exciting opportunity to combine your current experience to create a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment where children can thrive.

You will play a key role in supervising day-to-day practice within the nursery, supporting and developing colleagues, and ensuring every child receives the very best support. You will work closely with families, practitioners and managers to continuously improve the quality of provision and promote positive outcomes for all children.

No two days are the same. One day you may be coaching practitioners and supporting children's learning, while the next you could be analysing children's progress, leading a team meeting, developing provision or working with families and external professionals to support individual needs.

About the team

Our Childcare Services team provides high-quality early years education and care within a well-established, university-based setting. We are proud of our child-centred approach, where curiosity, creativity and exploration are encouraged and celebrated.

You will join a supportive management and practitioner team that is committed to continuous improvement, reflective practice and evidence-informed approaches to children's learning and development. 

About you

We are looking for someone who is:

• Qualified to at least a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification recognised by the Department for Education.
• Knowledgeable about the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Able to build positive relationships with children, families, colleagues and external professionals.
• Passionate about delivering high-quality, inclusive care and education that enables every child to flourish.

Further information about the experience and skills required for this position can be found on the attached job Role profile.

What we offer

The University of Nottingham is committed to providing a positive and rewarding working environment where our people can develop and thrive.

We offer:

• A friendly, diverse and supportive working environment.
• Generous holiday entitlement, 27 days (pro rata if applicable) plus bank holidays and University closure days.
• Access to a wide range of professional development, training and career progression opportunities.
• Staff discounts, travel schemes and a range of employee benefits.
• Wellbeing support and employee assistance programmes.
• The opportunity to work within a highly respected university childcare service dedicated to excellence in Early Years education and care.

To find out more about our benefits, please visit our benefits website.

What next?

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details. 

This is a full time role, your working hours will be 39 hours per week.  

Join us and help make a meaningful difference to children's lives every day.

Closing Date: 14 Aug 2026
Category: Childcare Services (CCS)

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.

What you'll be doing

As part of our nursery team, you will:

• 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.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Holds a full and relevant Level 3 (or above) Early Years qualification recognised by the Department for Education (DfE).
• Is 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.
• Is 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

What we offer:

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

It is a requirement of the post that a satisfactory enhanced disclosure is obtained and that all employment checks are met prior to employment. 

We have both full time (39 hours per week) and Part time posts available either on a permanent or fixed term basis.

For further information on the hours of work please contact Jo Whalen, email Jo.whalen@nottingham.ac.uk

Closing Date: 17 Jun 2026
Category: Childcare Services (CCS)