Early Years Practitioner maternity cover

Level 2 / Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Location: Tetbury / Cotswolds Area

Contract: Fixed-Term Maternity Cover

Hours: Full-Time - 40 hours per week

Working Pattern: Monday-Thursday, 8:00am-6:00pm

Hourly Rate: £13.25 - £13.95 per hour, depending on experience and qualification

The Role

Thrive Education is looking for an experienced Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to join a fantastic nursery setting in the Cotswolds on a fixed-term maternity cover contract.

This is a brilliant opportunity for a passionate Early Years professional who wants to work within a warm, supportive and well-resourced environment, caring for children aged 2-4 years.

The nursery benefits from recently refurbished learning spaces, excellent resources and dedicated outdoor learning environments, providing children with plenty of opportunities to explore, learn and develop through play.

You will become an important part of the nursery team, helping to create a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment where every child is supported socially, emotionally and academically.

What You'll Be Doing

As an Early Years Practitioner, your responsibilities will include:

• Acting as a key person for a group of children and building positive relationships with children and their families
• Supporting children's learning and development through high-quality interactions and engaging activities
• Planning and delivering age-appropriate activities in line with the EYFS Framework
• Observing, assessing and recording children's progress
• Creating stimulating learning environments both indoors and outdoors
• Supporting children's emotional wellbeing, confidence and independence
• Working closely with colleagues to maintain high standards of care and education
• Ensuring safeguarding, welfare, health and safety requirements are consistently followed
• Contributing positively to the wider nursery community

What We're Looking For

To be considered for this position, you will need:

• A full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification
• Previous experience working within an Early Years or nursery setting
• Good knowledge of the EYFS Framework and child development
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A warm, positive and professional approach
• A genuine passion for supporting young children's development

Experience working as a key person, planning and assessing children's learning or supporting children with individual needs would also be beneficial.

What's on Offer?

This is more than just a maternity cover position. You'll be joining a supportive setting that places real importance on its children, families and staff.

Benefits include:

• Four-day working week - Monday to Thursday
• Beautiful rural Cotswolds setting
• Recently refurbished nursery spaces
• Excellent indoor and outdoor resources
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• Fully funded apprenticeship opportunities
• Complimentary lunch
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Employee counselling scheme
• On-site parking
• Discretionary Christmas stand-down
• Support from a wider team, allowing practitioners to focus on what matters most - the children

Interested?

If you're a qualified Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Practitioner looking for your next opportunity and would love to work within a supportive, high-quality nursery environment, we'd love to hear from you.