Nursery Practitioner (Lunch Cover)

Overview

Nursery Practitioner (Lunch Cover) at Willows Day Nursery, Stoke Mandeville (HP21 8BD). Permanent contract, 15-20 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. Working pattern: 10:00-14:00 or 11:00-14:00, Monday to Friday. Salary: £12.87-£16.22 per hour.

We have delivered childcare excellence since 1989. We are an employee-owned organisation and focus on careers, not jobs, with opportunities to grow and succeed.

What we offer

• Generous annual leave: 23 days paid leave per annum (pro-rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
• Work-life balance: Up to a further 20 paid days off each year through the Partnership Reward Days incentive (leave or sell the days you accrue, tax-free).
• Childcare discount: 75% discount on fees at any Childbase nursery, from day one (40% grandparent discount also available).
• Exclusive partner benefits: Long-service rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts.
• Wellbeing support: Free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye care vouchers, and free will-writing service.
• Career development: Team inset days and access to online training and apprenticeships through our academy.

About us

We are employee-owned with a voice for every colleague and a share of annual tax-free dividends. We have strong Ofsted outcomes, support causes through fundraising, and run green-certified nurseries powered by renewable energy.

About you

• You are naturally nurturing with some experience caring for babies and children aged five and under, ideally in an early years setting. A DfE-approved early years qualification at level 2 or above is advantageous though not essential.
• You are passionate about inspiring children. Knowledge of child development and EYFS is desirable; you will contribute to observations and support learning journeys as part of planned activities.
• You are an advocate for safeguarding and will ensure every child feels safe, valued and happy, supporting their well-being.
• You are collaborative: enjoy working with others and can communicate effectively with children, parents and colleagues.
• We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants of all ages and backgrounds. We are committed to FREDIE (fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement) and will consider reasonable adjustments as required.

Application process

If you meet the essential criteria, your application will be automatically shortlisted for review by our Recruitment Team who will determine if an interview is the next step. Applicants must reside within a commutable distance of the nursery and hold suitable Right to Work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available. Safeguarding checks include an Enhanced DBS check.