Post Title: Nursery Practitioner
SBU/Department: Dean of Students/Nursery
FTE: 1.0FTE (working 37 hours per week)
Duration of Contract: Permanent
Annual Leave: 25 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year
Location: College Lane Campus, Hatfield
The University Nursery is seeking to recruit a motivated individual who is truly passionate about working with young children. We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to nurturing every child and giving them the very best possible start to their education, helping them feel happy, confident and valued from day one.
Working here means being part of a wonderful setting with plenty of opportunities to grow and develop. We are proud to offer Forest School sessions, giving children the chance to explore and learn outdoors, and we benefit greatly from being part of the wider University community — enjoying all the advantages and supportive culture that comes with it. It really is a lovely place to work, where you can make a real difference every single day.
Main duties and responsibilities
You will care for the children attending the Nursery on a day-to-day basis in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage and Nursery planned activities and policies, working with the team to provide a safe and happy environment that meets each child’s physical and educational needs. The Nursery Practitioner will be the key person for a group of assigned children, working with the Room Leader/Nursery Officer and parents to support development, complete observations and ensure parents can access and comment on them, while assisting with planning appropriate activities. You will communicate positively and effectively with parents, respond to queries and report any concerns, accidents, illness, or maintenance issues promptly. You will also be flexible in working across different rooms, attend training or meetings, support daily nursery tasks, and undertake any other duties as may be reasonably required by the Nursery management team.
Skills and experience required
You will have proven relevant childcare experience in a similar Day Nursery setting, with experience of planning learning activities for children and experience of keeping child observations. Good knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Children’s Act, alongside the ability to show effective communication skills with staff, children and their parents is essential. You will work effectively within a team and demonstrate excellent time management skills. A Willingness to update existing knowledge through reading and attending training sessions where necessary, being caring and motivated within childcare, and flexible with working hours and shifts is essential.
Qualifications required
You will hold a recognised childcare qualification at a minimum of Level 3 such as Early Years Educator, NNEB, DPP, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification and a minimum of GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English or equivalent, or proven experience. A First Aid and Food Hygiene qualification would be desirable.
REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS ACT
DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE
This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 as amended. The University requires that the successful applicant who is offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. An Enhanced Disclosure will be required and this will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. The University of Hertfordshire complies with the ‘Code of Practice for Registered Persons and other recipients of Disclosure Information’.
Overseas applicants and UK applicants who have lived abroad
Successful applicants who have lived outside the UK, for 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total), in the last 10 years, will be required to produce a ‘Certificate of Good Character/Conduct’ from each of those countries
Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.
Internal applicants – please ensure you apply via your employee self-service portal.
We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work before an offer is made.
Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Carmel Mcguane, Nursery Manager: nursery@herts.ac.uk or call 01707 284448 for an informal discussion.
Closing Date: 02 December 2026
Interview Date: TBC
Reference Number: REQ000797
Date advert placed: 03 November 2026
Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics, and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts
