Bridges Day Nursery, 1-2 Franks Bridge Cottages, Smarden Rd, Headcorn, Ashford TN27 9SX

​Come and join our team at Bridges Day Nursery!

Are you a caring, enthusiastic and motivated Level 2 or Level 3 Nursery Practitioner looking for a part-time opportunity?

At Bridges Day Nursery, we believe that early childhood is about so much more than preparing children for school. It's about helping children feel safe, valued and confident, building meaningful relationships and giving them the freedom to explore, discover and learn at their own pace.

We are a friendly, independently run day nursery in the village of Headcorn, Kent, caring for children from babies through to school age.

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We are looking for a *qualified Level 2 or Level 3 Nursery Practitioner* to join our Pathfinders team, working Mondays and Fridays as part of a job share arrangement

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Our Pathfinders room cares for children aged approximately 2½ years through to school age, supporting them as they develop their independence, confidence, friendships and curiosity.

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We're keen to find someone who genuinely enjoys working with children, takes initiative and wants to make a positive difference to their everyday experiences.

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Whether you have years of experience or are newly qualified, we'd love to hear from you.

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Working Hours

We understand that finding the right balance between work and home life is important. This position offers a regular two-day working week, with the possibility of additional hours.

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• Mondays and Fridays

• 8.25 paid hours per day

• 16.5 paid hours per week

• Additional hours may be available*, depending on the needs of the nursery.

Our nursery operates Monday to Friday, between 7:30am and 6:00pm.

This position would suit someone looking for a regular part-time role, with the opportunity to work additional hours when available.

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You'll work closely with our existing Pathfinders team to provide consistency and continuity of care for the children.

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What We Offer

We believe that looking after our team is just as important as looking after the children in our care.

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• Competitive pay: £11.00 to £14.00 per hour, depending on your qualifications and experience.

• Part-time working: A regular two-day working week on Mondays and Fridays, with the possibility of additional hours.

• Exclusive retail discounts: Access to the PIB Group Employee Benefits Hub, offering discounts and savings across a wide range of popular retailers, including supermarkets, technology, entertainment and everyday shopping.

• Family days out and holiday discounts: Access to the Morton Michel ChildCare Club, providing savings on attractions, leisure activities, holidays and family experiences.

• Employee wellbeing support: Access to a confidential wellbeing support line.

• Training and development: Opportunities to continue developing your knowledge, confidence and professional skills.

• Workplace pension: In accordance with pension auto-enrolment requirements.

• A friendly, supportive environment: Join an independently run nursery where teamwork, communication and individual contributions are valued.

• Christmas closure: The nursery closes for three working days between Christmas and New Year. These days can be taken as annual leave or unpaid leave, subject to agreement and employment terms.

Your Role

As a Nursery Practitioner, you'll be an important part of children's daily experiences, supporting their learning, development and wellbeing in a safe and nurturing environment.

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Your responsibilities will include:

• Creating a warm, welcoming and stimulating environment where children feel safe, happy and confident.

• Building strong, positive relationships with children, their families and your colleagues.

• Supporting children's learning through meaningful play, exploration and everyday experiences.

• Planning and providing engaging activities based on children's interests, developmental stages and individual needs.

• Acting as a key person and supporting children's individual learning and development.

• Observing, assessing and recording children's progress using Tapestry.

• Encouraging children's independence, curiosity, communication and emotional development.

• Supporting daily routines, including mealtimes, personal care, sleep and outdoor play.

• Working in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding requirements and nursery policies.

• Contributing ideas, taking initiative and working positively as part of the wider nursery team.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who genuinely loves working with children and understands the importance of making every day meaningful.

Essential requirements:

• ​A full and relevant NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Early Years or Childcare, or an equivalent recognised qualification.

• A good understanding of the EYFS and safeguarding responsibilities.

• A caring, patient and positive approach to working with children.

• The ability to work independently, show initiative and contribute as part of a team.

• Good communication skills and a professional approach when working with parents and colleagues.

• Reliability, enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved in all aspects of nursery life.

• Availability to work Mondays and Fridays.

Desirable but not essential:

• Previous experience working in an early years setting.

• Experience using Tapestry.

• A current paediatric first aid qualification.

• An interest in outdoor learning, creative play and child-led experiences.

We value practitioners who are approachable, enthusiastic and willing to contribute their ideas. You don't need to know everything, but you should be willing to learn, develop and support those around you.

A Little About Us

Bridges Day Nursery is located in the village of Headcorn, Kent. We provide early years care and education in a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to develop at their own pace.

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Our approach is based on strong relationships, individual care and learning through play.

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Our curriculum is built around the importance of children feeling cared for, safe, valued and confident, giving them the foundations they need to flourish.

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We encourage children to explore the world around them, develop independence and build confidence

through everyday experiences, both indoors and outdoors. Building Foundations, Shaping Futures.

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Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Bridges Day Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check with children's barred list information, where eligible.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates.