Early Years Practitioner - Term Time

Early Years Practitioner - Term Time Only

Hours of work: 8.30am to 3.30pm or 8.45am to 3.45pm

At YMCA Nursery Andover, we believe that everyone should have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become. Our approach to early years education is rooted in the belief that every child is unique, and it’s our privilege to support them on their journey of self‑discovery and growth, nurturing futures every step of the way.

• Joining Bonus! Total of £500
• Early Years Financial Incentive Scheme – £1000 payment to eligible new or returning staff, funded by the Department for Education
• Refer a Friend Scheme
• Health Cash plan – Medical, Dental and Online retail discounts
• Blue Light Card eligibility
• 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays FTE, increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Option to purchase additional leave (up to 10 days per annum)
• Celebration Leave
• Employer pension
• Flexible working
• Career development
• 50% discount on nursery fees
• Enhanced Maternity
• Day camps discounts: 1 week free and 1 week at 50% per child per annum
• Campsite and activities discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor: campsite, river hire, activities, day camps
• 30% discount on food in cafés:
  Fairthorne, Eastleigh and Andover
• Wellbeing assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Good quality resources and a modern environment
• A welcoming, caring and supportive culture

• Promote a nurturing environment whilst engaging with children of all ages and developmental skills, encouraging each child to reach his/her potential by supporting them through learning and play with positive reinforcement and praise.
• Support children, co‑workers and parents alike; deliver stimulating indoor and outdoor activities; complete and record daily observations for children in your care; and plan their next developmental steps in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Comply with policies and procedures outlined by the setting.
• Attend training opportunities for personal and professional development as well as the development of the organisation.
• Assist in ensuring that the nursery is a safe environment for children.
• Embrace the variety of each day, use initiative to keep children engaged and support their emotional needs as they arise.

• Level 2/3 childcare qualification or relevant experience is desirable.
• A commitment to providing high‑quality childcare including physical care and hygienic practice for children aged 4 months – 5 years.
• An understanding of the developmental needs of children, statutory framework and relevant legislation.
• Basic knowledge of health and safety.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding good practice.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification or willingness to train.

Successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are an equal opportunities charity with commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace. A copy of this policy will be made available on request.

To apply, please submit your application through the YMCA portal.