Senior Practitioner – Nursery – Hillingdon

We are looking for a passionate, experienced, and enthusiastic Senior Nursery Practitioner to join a warm and supportive Montessori nursery setting. This rewarding role involves supporting the day-to-day management of the nursery while ensuring high-quality childcare and education in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and Montessori principles.

The ideal candidate will have a genuine love for working with infants and a commitment to their growth and development.  They will play a key role in maintaining a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment for young children while supporting colleagues, parents, and management. This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated childcare professional who is ready to take on additional responsibility and make a lasting impact on children’s early development.

The role is 40 hours per week (full-time), with flexibility to consider PT hours for the right candidate.

If you are passionate about working with children and have the requisite skills and qualifications, we would love to hear from you.

• Lead and supervise a team of practitioners within the room.
• Ensure all staff members adhere to nursery policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular team meetings and provide guidance, support, and training as needed.
• Perform staff appraisals and participate in recruitment and selection processes.

• Plan and deliver a high-quality, age-appropriate curriculum that meets the developmental needs of the children.
• Observe, assess, and record each child's progress, and plan for their individual needs.
• Create a warm, welcoming, and stimulating environment where children feel secure and happy.
• Promote inclusive practices and ensure all children, including those with special educational needs, are supported.

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children at all times.
• Conduct daily health and safety checks and risk assessments.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards within the room.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and report any concerns to the designated safeguarding lead.

• Build strong, positive relationships with parents and caregivers.
• Communicate regularly with parents about their child's progress and daily activities.
• Organize and participate in parent meetings and events.

• Maintain accurate records of children’s development, attendance, and any incidents.
• Ensure all documentation is up-to-date and complies with regulatory requirements.
• Manage room resources and equipment, ensuring they are well-maintained and used effectively.

• Experience within a Montessori environment (desirable).
• At least three years experience in a leadership or supervisory role in a Pre-school/Nursery Setting with 0-5 year olds.
• A good understanding of the EYFS Framework.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for working with children.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Creativity in planning engaging and educational activities.

• NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce or equivalent.
• GCSE Maths / English at Grade C or above or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths

• Current Paediatric First Aid certification.
• Current Safeguarding certification.
• Current COSHH certification.
• Current Food and Hygiene certification.

• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Physically able to carry out the requirements of the role.
• Flexibility to work various shifts as needed.
• Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply for one)*.