Early Years Practitioner

University of Bradford

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.

Safeguarding

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.

Directorate

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.

What you will be doing:

Working under the direction of the Room Leader, Senior Early Years Practitioner and Management Team, you will:

• 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. 

Qualifications/ experience:

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

You will need:

• 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).

Celebrating Diversity – The University of Bradford 

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.

In Return we Offer:

• 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.

Additional Information:

If you would like to find out more or are interested in applying, please call the nursery main office on [phone removed], we would love to hear from you.

Closing Date: 28 Oct 2026

Department: Professional Services

Salary: £25,354 per annum till 19/04/2027
Fixed-Term, 36.25 hours compressed over 4 working days