We are looking to appoint a committed, reliable and enthusiastic childcare practitioner to join our team at Epsom Downs Nursery. This role is suitable for an individual at the start of their childcare career who is motivated to learn and develop within a supportive team environment.

Under the direction of the Nursery Manager and Deputy Managers, to provide safe, high-quality care and early years education for children aged 3 months to 5 years.  The post holder will support children’s learning and development, contribute to a nurturing and stimulating environment, and work in partnership with parents, carers, and professionals to promote the well being of all children.

We were proud to be deemed as outstanding by Ofsted in June 2022; “The provision is outstanding. Leaders and staff provide an awe-inspiring, creative learning environment. Children enthusiastically investigate and experiment with a variety of thoughtfully planned activities and resources. The impressive outside area offers an abundance of equipment that includes working traffic lights, a beach and construction site”.

We provide nurturing and individualised childcare for children aged 3 months to 5 years. Our excellent local reputation and our flexible approach to offering morning, afternoon or full-day sessions creates a high demand for places. Children are at the heart of our approach in everything that we do and our well resourced open plan environment aids transition, enhances the quality of children’s social interaction, improves the speech development of younger children, enables play with siblings and allows children to take a personal journey on a pathway of discovery.

The Nursery promotes the importance of outdoor play by having free flow to the outdoor areas all day long. We share excellent outdoor facilities with the school including a small farm, allotments, sports field, playground and dedicated forest school areas. We also have a secure outdoor play area and a large back garden. Children are encouraged to play outside all year round with our weatherproof canopy providing protection in all weathers.

Key Responsibilities

• Childcare and Learning
• Support the provision of a safe, caring, and stimulating environment for all children.
• Assist in delivering play-based learning activities in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Work with individual children and small groups under the guidance of qualified staff.
• Promote children’s physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development.
• Ensure each child’s individual care and learning needs are recognised and supported.

Health, Safety and Safeguarding

• Help maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic environment at all times.
• Follow all safeguarding, child protection, and health & safety procedures.
• Report any concerns regarding children’s welfare or development to senior staff.
• Teamwork and Professional Conduct
• Work effectively as part of the nursery team.
• Support daily routines, including setting up and clearing away activities and resources.
• Communicate positively and professionally with colleagues, parents, and carers.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and flexibility to meet staffing requirements.

Partnership Working

• Build and maintain positive relationships with parents and carers.
• Support communication with families regarding children’s day-to-day experiences.
• Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive nursery environment.

General Duties

• Comply with all nursery policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health & safety, equality, and data protection.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Nursery Manager
• Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

• No formal childcare qualification required

Desirable:

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths
• Willingness to undertake training and professional career development
• Knowledge

Essential (or willingness to develop):

• Basic understanding of childcare or early years settings
• Awareness of safeguarding and child welfare (training will be provided)

Skills & Abilities

• Enthusiastic and motivated to work with young children
• Ability to build positive and caring relationships
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to learn and follow guidance
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Basic organisational and time management skills

Personal Qualities

• Caring, patient, and nurturing approach
• Reliable and punctual
• Positive attitude and willingness to develop skills
• Commitment to providing high-quality care and learning

Other Requirements

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check
• Flexibility to work full-time hours within nursery operating times

Why Join Us?

• Supportive and friendly working environment
• Opportunities for ongoing training and development
• Clear pathway for progression within the nursery

Candidates are warmly invited to contact Samantha Morgan in the Nursery Leadership Team for an informal chat about the role or to arrange a visit to see us in action.

The closing date for applications is 9am  on Thursday 5 July. However, applications will be considered upon receipt, and we reserve the right to appoint someone sooner than this if we identify a suitable candidate. You are therefore encouraged to apply for the role as soon as possible. 

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of our Trust. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you need any specific support or require alternative formats, please contact us. 

Epsom Community Day Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. It is a requirement for the successful applicant to undertake an  Enhanced DBS check, subscribe to the update service and accept the responsibility for providing and safeguarding the welfare of all pupils and children. ID documents and evidence of address will need to be produced at interview; which for the successful candidate will form the basis of proceeding with a DBS check.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. All Nursery employees are deemed to be in regulated activity with children and as such, all offers of employment are subject the above mentioned check and any other deemed necessary by the school. All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a declaration regarding offences and have references requested (unless agreed otherwise), prior to the interview.

Epsom Downs Day Nursery is committed to being an equal opportunities employer promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills. Applications are invited from all members of the community. We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age; race; sex; disability; sexual orientation; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; religion, faith or belief (Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics). The principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity also apply to the way in which we treat our visitors and volunteers.