Early Years Practitioner

Job description

Early Years Practitioner

Type of vacancy

Permanent

Work pattern

Full Time

Hours per week

37

Work Base

Arnbrook Family Hub, Arnold, NG5 8NE

Working Arrangements

Office Based

Job Description / Person Specification

Competency Framework

Number of posts

1

Interview date

10 September 2026

Closing Date

23 August 2026 23:55

The Children and Families Department takes a strengths-based approach to working with each other, children, young people and families, and our partner agencies. We call this 'Our Nottinghamshire Approach'. Watch the two minute animation to learn more.

Nottinghamshire County Council is dedicated to serving our community with compassion and care. We believe in creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and families across Nottinghamshire.

We are seeking a committed Early Years Practitioner to deliver high-quality, evidence-based early help services for children and families. You will work across Gedling Family Hubs, community venues, and family homes, supporting children aged 0-9 to achieve positive learning, development, and wellbeing outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity to engage with families and help shape the future of our youngest citizens!

As an Early Years Practitioner, your key responsibilities will include:

• Planning and Delivering: Create and implement engaging play and learning interventions aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage
• Engaging Families: Work closely with expectant parents and families with children under three to foster strong relationships
• Supporting Development: Assist in promoting speech, language, communication, and overall development for children
• Partnership Building: Collaborate with parents as their child's first educator, conducting assessments and maintaining accurate records
• Inclusive Practice: Engage with diverse and seldom-heard families, ensuring every child feels valued and supported
• Collaboration: Work with partner agencies to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes for children with emerging or identified SEND

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• A relevant qualification in Early Years Education or Childcare (Level 3 or above).
• To hold 5 GCSEs at level A*-C (including English) or equivalent and proven ability within a previous work setting.
• Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and child development principles.
• Experience working with children and families in a professional setting is desirable.

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• Compassionate Communication: The ability to engage effectively with children and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Teamwork: A collaborative spirit to work alongside colleagues and partner agencies.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to the changing needs of children and families.
• Commitment to Inclusion: A passion for promoting inclusive practices and supporting children with SEND.

At Nottinghamshire County Council, we offer:

A Place to Belong: A friendly, inclusive workplace where everyone is valued.
Professional Growth: Opportunities for training and development to enhance your skills.
Work-Life Balance: Flexible working arrangements.
Generous Leave: A competitive leave package to ensure you have time to recharge.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and families! If you are passionate about early years education and want to be part of a supportive community, apply today to join Nottinghamshire County Council as an Early Years Practitioner.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity please contact Claire Webster on 0115 8788396 or by email [email protected].

Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Nottinghamshire County Council strives to ensure that it goes beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and prides itself on being accredited as a Disability Confident Leader Organisation.

Under the (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme) we would like to ensure applicants with disabilities are offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for a job. Please let us know if this is something you would like to be considered for.

A job share scheme is available for all full-time posts: both permanent and temporary, unless otherwise stated.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks.

Nottinghamshire County Council strongly encourages applications from all candidates from different walks of life, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.