If you would rather take children on a nature walk than spend the whole day inside four walls, this could be exactly the setting you have been looking for.
Tiny Tots Recruitment is looking for a Level 3 Nursery Practitioner to join a small, welcoming early years setting near Saffron Walden, Essex.
Based in beautiful rural surroundings, the nursery offers a genuine home-from-home environment for babies and young children. Outdoor experiences form a major part of nursery life, with children exploring gardens, surrounding countryside and nature throughout the year.
This is a particularly lovely opportunity for a practitioner who prefers the personal feel of a smaller nursery, where you can properly get to know the children, families and colleagues you work with.
What you'll be doing: Providing warm, nurturing and high-quality care for young children Supporting children's learning and development in line with the EYFS Acting as a Key Person and developing secure relationships with individual children Observing children's development and recognising appropriate next steps Creating activities suited to children's individual ages, abilities and interests Encouraging children to explore and learn through practical experiences Making outdoor play and nature-based learning part of everyday nursery life Supporting children's confidence, communication and independence Helping children develop socially, physically and emotionally Building positive relationships with parents and carers Supporting babies and younger children with routines that remain close to those followed at home Working closely with a small and supportive nursery team Maintaining excellent safeguarding, health and safety and welfare standards Taking part in ongoing training and professional development Bringing enthusiasm, patience and plenty of energy to children's play What we're looking for: A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years or Childcare qualification Previous nursery or early years experience Good working knowledge of the EYFS Strong safeguarding awareness A caring, patient and enthusiastic personality Someone who genuinely enjoys nature and outdoor learning Confidence working closely with babies and younger children Good communication skills with families and colleagues Someone comfortable working as part of a small team A practitioner who enjoys getting involved in children's play rather than simply supervising it What's on offer: £28,080 to £29,620 per year Permanent, full-time employment Company sick pay Free parking Small, close-knit nursery team Rural working environment Extensive opportunities for outdoor learning Nature walks and countryside experiences Ongoing professional training Opportunity to develop additional early years skills and qualifications Monday to Friday working Home-from-home nursery environment Opportunity to work across two distinctive rural settings
What really sets this opportunity apart is the environment.
The nursery operates from two rural settings near Saffron Walden in Strethall and Hempstead, caring for children from three months old. Children spend plenty of time outside, including nature walks around the farm and woodland. At the Hempstead setting, children also help to feed animals and learn how to care for them.
The approach is deliberately personal. Children are observed carefully so practitioners can build on their individual strengths and provide additional support where needed. Daily experiences include art, messy play, stories, music, movement, outdoor exploration and child-led play rather than relying on one fixed programme for every child.
There is evidence of staff development within the team too. One current practitioner joined the nursery before gaining her Level 2 Childcare qualification while working there and has since completed additional training including Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene and Level 2 Safeguarding.
If you're looking for a Level 3 Nursery Practitioner job in Saffron Walden, an Early Years Practitioner job in Essex or a rural nursery role near Strethall and Hempstead, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today through Tiny Tots Recruitment for a confidential conversation about the opportunity.