Early Years Practitioner

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Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust Early Years Practitioner

The closing date is 28 September 2026

Apply for this job

Job summary

Are you passionate about nurturing young minds and creating a fun, safe and inclusive environment for children?

Rainbow Day Nursery is looking for dedicated Early Years Practitioners to join our warm, supportive team, caring for children aged 3 months to 5 years either part time or full time on a permanent contract.

Our latest Ofsted inspection found that"staff enjoy their work and feel well supported by leaders", recognising our commitment to staff wellbeing, professional development and delivering exceptional experiences for children and families.

Due to service growth and staffing changes, we have a range of full-time and part-time opportunities available. You will work collaboratively within a large, motivated team to deliver high-quality care and learning experiences. Depending on service needs, you may be based in a specific age group or work flexibly across the nursery.

This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a caring and dedicated team where children are at the heart of everything we do. Ofsted praised the "kind, friendly and respectful behaviour" modelled by our staff and recognised the "very secure attachments" they build with children, helping them to feel confident, safe and ready to learn.

Main duties of the job

• Support children aged 3 months to 5 years through engaging, play-based learning experiences

• Foster a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child feels safe,valuedand supported

• Assistwith daily routines including meals, snacks, resttimesand personal care

• Support children's learning and development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

• Work collaboratively with colleagues tomaintainhigh standardsof care and practice

• Act as a key person for children whererequired, supporting their individual needs and development

• Work flexibly across rooms when needed to support staffing ratios, annualleaveand service demands

About us

Rainbow Day Nursery is the workplace nursery for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, based at the Annexe site near Torbay Hospital. Our purpose-built nursery is a spacious, welcoming setting caring for up to 54 children each day.

We have three bright, well-equipped playrooms tailored to different age groups (0-2 years, 2-3 years and 3-5 years), all with access to a large, secure outdoor garden that encourages exploration, creativity and learning through play.

As part of our valued and well-established nursery team, you'll benefit from the support, stability and opportunities that come with working within the NHS. We are committed to creating a positive workplace culture where staff feel listened to, supported and encouraged to grow.

Why join Rainbow Day Nursery?

• A friendly, welcoming and supportive team environment
• Ongoing CPD and professional development opportunities
• Access to Local Authority and NHS Trust training
• Regular supervision, support and reflective practice
• Mandatory training, including Safeguarding Children and Paediatric First Aid
• Opportunities for career progression
• A strong focus on staff wellbeing and work-life balance

Please be advised that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role, and as a result, we will not be able to consider applications that require sponsorship.

Details

Date posted

16 September 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,760 to £27,476 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

388-7604373-CORP-C

Job locations

Rainbow Day Nursery, Annexe Site

Torbay Hospital, 187 Newton Road

Torquay

TQ2 7BA

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

At Rainbow Day Nursery, we create an environment where children feel safe, valued and excited to explore the world around them. By building positive relationships with children and families, our team plays a vital role in helping every child grow in confidence and reach their full potential. If you're passionate about making a difference in children's lives, we'd love to hear from you.

You'll be part of a caring and inclusive team that builds meaningful relationships with children and their families. We are passionate about providing high-quality care and education, while creating a supportive environment where colleagues are encouraged to develop their skills, progress their careers and achieve their full potential.

We are open Monday to Friday, 6:45am6:00pm, 52 weeks of the year, and closed on weekends and bank holidays. Shift patterns vary within these hours, and we are happy to discuss working arrangements with suitable candidates.

What we ask for:

• Hold a Level 3 recognised Early Years qualification in line with Government guidance

• Demonstrate sound knowledge of EYFS, child development and safeguarding

• Maintain a high standard of professional practice at all times

• Build positive relationships with children,parentsand colleagues

• Work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly

• Support the nurserys values of being caring, inclusive and focused on quality

• Work flexibly across the setting to meet the needs of the service

Our people are caring,committedand focused on delivering high-quality care. If you share our values and are passionate about making a difference in childrens lives, you could be a real asset to our team.

Take a look at our 'Welcome to Rainbow Day Nursery' information sheet attached to the advert to learn more about what we have to offer.Formoreinformation around the job role responsibilities and entry criteria, please refer to the combined job description and person specification.

Job description

Job responsibilities

At Rainbow Day Nursery, we create an environment where children feel safe, valued and excited to explore the world around them. By building positive relationships with children and families, our team plays a vital role in helping every child grow in confidence and reach their full potential. If you're passionate about making a difference in children's lives, we'd love to hear from you.

You'll be part of a caring and inclusive team that builds meaningful relationships with children and their families. We are passionate about providing high-quality care and education, while creating a supportive environment where colleagues are encouraged to develop their skills, progress their careers and achieve their full potential.

We are open Monday to Friday, 6:45am6:00pm, 52 weeks of the year, and closed on weekends and bank holidays. Shift patterns vary within these hours, and we are happy to discuss working arrangements with suitable candidates.

What we ask for:

• Hold a Level 3 recognised Early Years qualification in line with Government guidance

• Demonstrate sound knowledge of EYFS, child development and safeguarding

• Maintain a high standard of professional practice at all times

• Build positive relationships with children,parentsand colleagues

• Work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly

• Support the nurserys values of being caring, inclusive and focused on quality

• Work flexibly across the setting to meet the needs of the service

Our people are caring,committedand focused on delivering high-quality care. If you share our values and are passionate about making a difference in childrens lives, you could be a real asset to our team.

Take a look at our 'Welcome to Rainbow Day Nursery' information sheet attached to the advert to learn more about what we have to offer.Formoreinformation around the job role responsibilities and entry criteria, please refer to the combined job description and person specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ3 Early Years Care and Education or equivalent Childcare Qualification

Desirable

• First Aid

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Sound knowledge of the needs of children from 0 - 5 years
• Proven relevant experience of working with children from 0-5 years in a group setting.
• To work in partnership with parents and colleagues
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding procedures

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ3 Early Years Care and Education or equivalent Childcare Qualification

Desirable

• First Aid

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Sound knowledge of the needs of children from 0 - 5 years
• Proven relevant experience of working with children from 0-5 years in a group setting.
• To work in partnership with parents and colleagues
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding procedures

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Rainbow Day Nursery, Annexe Site

Torbay Hospital, 187 Newton Road

Torquay

TQ2 7BA

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Rainbow Day Nursery, Annexe Site

Torbay Hospital, 187 Newton Road

Torquay

TQ2 7BA

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Nursery Manager

Tina Mwaro/Jennie Judge

[email protected]

01803654150

Details

Date posted

16 September 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,760 to £27,476 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

388-7604373-CORP-C

Job locations

Rainbow Day Nursery, Annexe Site

Torbay Hospital, 187 Newton Road

Torquay

TQ2 7BA

United Kingdom

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