Nursery Practitioner​/Assistant

Join the Little Owls Family – Nursery Practitioners & Nursery Assistants

At Little Owls, we believe every child deserves a caring, safe and enriching environment where they feel known, valued and supported to flourish. Our team is passionate, positive and professional, working together to deliver high quality early education and care for babies and young children.

We are now looking for Nursery Practitioners and Nursery Assistants to join our warm, friendly and dedicated team.

As part of our Little Owls team, you will create a nurturing environment where children can grow, explore and learn through play. You’ll work collaboratively with colleagues, forming strong relationships with families and supporting every child as an individual.

Both roles involve:

• Delivering engaging, age appropriate opportunities aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Building strong, positive partnerships with parents and carers
• Supporting a stimulating, safe, clean and caring environment
• Keeping accurate records and contributing to children’s learning journeys
• Being part of a supportive team that shares ideas, solves problems together and celebrates success
• Maintaining high standards of safeguarding, confidentiality and professional conduct
• Being flexible and willing to support all aspects of nursery life

In addition, Nursery Practitioners may take on extra responsibilities such as SEN support, key person duties, leading on specific areas of practice, or mentoring assistants, students and volunteers.

We can offer flexible working patterns between 20 and 40 hours per week. To help us provide consistent care, we ask that applicants are open to being available on a variety of days. Your hours will be confirmed in advance and primarily set for each term however overtime may be needed from time to time in order to maintain legal ratios, specific working days may vary based on the needs of the nursery.

We offer:

• A welcoming, supportive working environment
• Opportunities for ongoing training, development and progression
• Regular 1 to 1s, appraisals and personal development planning
• Staff meetings, training days and team building activities
• A workplace where your ideas and strengths are valued

We’d love to hear from you if you are:

Nursery Practitioner

• Qualified to Level 3 in Early Years (or equivalent)
• Confident in leading children’s learning and supporting others
• Skilled in delivering the EYFS and observing/assessing children
• Proactive, creative and enthusiastic about child development
• Experienced in communicating with families and external professionals

Nursery Assistant

• Passionate about working with young children
• Positive, reliable, nurturing and eager to learn
• Able to follow guidance and work well as part of a team
• Committed to providing safe, inclusive, high quality care
• Ideally holding a Level 2 Early Years qualification (or working towards one)

At Little Owls, you’ll be part of a caring, values driven organisation supported by Dove House Hospice. Our One Team approach means we look after each other, celebrate success and work collaboratively across all areas of the nursery.

We offer:

• A welcoming, supportive working environment
• Opportunities for ongoing training, development and progression
• Regular 1 to 1s, appraisals and personal development planning
• Staff meetings, training days and team building activities
• A workplace where your ideas and strengths are valued

Little Owls is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

All roles require:

• An Enhanced DBS check
• Ongoing safeguarding training
• A commitment to child protection responsibilities