Early Years Practitioner

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Early Years Practitioner

Professional Services

Directorate of People and Culture

Salary: £25,354 per annum till 19/04/2027 Fixed-Term, 36.25 hours compressed over 4 working days Post Type: Full Time Contract Type: Fixed Term Closing Date: Friday 18 September 2026 Interview Date: To be confirmed Reference: HR0203329-2

At the University of Bradford, our focus is on creating the conditions for social, cultural, and economic impact. We are committed to social inclusion. Our work to expand opportunity and enable students to reach their potential, has led to us topping the Social Mobility Index of English universities for the last two years. Our University Strategy sets out our ambitions for 2025, which we will achieve by using our proud heritage as a springboard and remaining steadfast in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The University of Bradford is committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and Adults at Risk through robust safer recruitment practices.

The University of Bradford Nursery sits within the Directorate of People, Culture and Wellbeing and provides high-quality education and care for children aged from birth to five years. Our inclusive nursery curriculum supports every child to learn, develop and thrive within a safe and stimulating environment, underpinned by the University’s values of Excellence, Trust, Innovation and Inclusion.

• Support the delivery of the Statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and nursery curriculum.
• Take responsibility for a key group of children, supporting and monitoring their care, learning and development in partnership with parents and carers.
• Undertake observations and assessments of children’s progress, contributing to planning and supporting their individual next steps.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates who hold a full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification.

• English GCSE at Grade A*-C/9-4, Level 2 or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience of working with children aged from birth to five years.
• Awareness of the Statutory Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.

A full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification is desirable, alongside a current Paediatric First Aid certificate, safeguarding training, a Food Hygiene certificate and knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Within our nursery we have a widely diverse staff team but there is a low representation of males, therefore we welcome applications from individuals who represent this category alongside all other applications which we consider equally.

• 25 days holiday and 13 statutory and customary days (taken at Easter and Christmas).
• Family-friendly policies
• Great campus facilities including:
• Unique fitness centre
• Eye clinic
• Physiotherapy & sports rehabilitation,
• Counselling & mental health services
• On site nursery
• Food & drink outlets
• Generous employer contribution pension schemes
• Generous benefit schemes, including car leasing, cycle to work, holiday purchase, home & technology scheme and shopping discounts

Find more information about the many other benefits, including salary sacrifice schemes and campus nursery.

At the University of Bradford we accept people for who they are regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, marital status, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation or socio-economic background and whether you’re pregnant or on maternity leave.

In line with the University’s commitment to equality charters including Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter, Disability Confident and Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme, we welcome applications from people identifying with these characteristics. The University has a number of staff networks which provide peer support and safe spaces for staff who hold these and other identities.