Early Years Practitioner


Company:	University of Plymouth
Salary:	from £26,149 a year, pro rata
Hours:	Part-time
Location:	Plymouth, PL4 8AA
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	6 Nov 2026
Closing date:	6 Dec 2026

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Summary

If you are a Level three qualified Early Years Educator (or equivalent) who is looking to join a caring, supportive, and friendly team of Practitioners in the Heart of the University of Plymouth’s campus, on a part-time basis we would welcome an application from you. You will be part of a team ensuring our high standards and providing quality care and education.

About the role

As an early years practitioner you will be an essential part of the team, supporting children to be happy, creative, curious and kind. You will ensure a consistent high-quality service is provided to all children and families to maintain our Outstanding OFSTED

Central to roles within Freshlings Nursery is, providing a safe, healthy, caring, inclusive and stimulating environment, where children are respected and supported as individuals and encouraged to learn through play and exploration. Adopting a child-centred approach means that we keep each individual child in focus when making decisions about their lives and working in partnership with them and their families. We have a shared ethos which recognises that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and that this duty extends beyond the setting, to the child’s home life and elsewhere.

University Commercial Services Plymouth Ltd's (UCSPL) is a wholly owned subsidiary company of University of Plymouth. UCSPL’s vision is to enrich the experience of the students, staff and wider community. We aim to create a financially sustainable and professional service which currently includes Early Years Education and Care, Retail Catering, Hospitality and Events.

This position is covered by the Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2018 Regulations

Freshlings Nursery is committed to the safeguarding and promotion of welfare of children.

Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.

Due to the nature of this role, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check plus a Children’s Barred List and Adults Barred List check will be required.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Lorraine Hargreaves: by email at lorraine.hargreaves@plymouth.ac.uk

We’re currently unable to sponsor this role under the Skilled Worker visa route. However, we welcome applicants who already have the right to work in the UK, including those on visa routes we can accept (e.g. Graduate visas).

Essential requirements

What we’re looking for You will: • Have Level 3 qualfification • Have experience of working in a nursery setting • Be patient, calm and fun • Have the ability to think on your feet and provide a high quality environment for the children. For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description. About us Freshlings Nursery is currently Ofsted Outstanding and has high aspirations to ensure our children and families receive the best care and education. Application Process Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, skills and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement. Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course. Our Offer We offer increased annual leave and sickness benefits with length of service and employer pension contributions of 5% You are also eligible to join the Aviva pension scheme Additional Information The University of Plymouth is building an inclusive and equitable university where everyone feels represented, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is guided by the Inclusive Institutions Framework, a strategic and externally validated approach that embeds these principles across the entire institution.

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