Early Years Practitioner

Nursery: Bright Horizons Watford Day Nursery and Preschool

Job Type: Full Time | Permanent | Mon-Fri

Salary: Starting From £27,231.95 - £28,274.40 (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Location: Watford, WD18

We are looking for a Full Time, Level 3 qualified Practitioner to join our Bright Horizons Watford Day Nursery situated in Watford.

Our amazing Watford Day Nursery and Preschool is a stunning 92-place setting, proudly rated Good by Ofsted. It features well-resourced rooms and a great outdoor garden for plenty of outdoor learning! We are based close to the Watford town centre and have great public transport links!

What we can offer you:

1. Above industry standard salary, with annual salary reviews
2. Discounted childcare of 50% for the first child (T&C Apply)
3. Up to 33 days holiday per year, with the option to buy additional days
4. Smart Health access, including 24/7 access to Virtual GP appointments, fitness programmes, and mental health support
5. Huge variety of discounts across high street brands, utilities, and days out
6. Financial support through early access to wages, low-interest debt consolidation loans, and more
7. Refer a Friend Bonus, including New York Trip for 2 prize draw entry
8. Access to a wide selection of training programmes, supporting your individual career path, with career development opportunities across our network of nurseries
9. Employee Appreciation through our quarterly recognition weeks and annual Awards of Excellence gala’s
10. Happy to Talk Flexible Working
11. If you are interested in actively developing your leadership skills to support your progression to Room Leader / Third in Charge, ask our Talent Acquisition Team about joining our 12-month Future Leaders Programme!

Why Bright Horizons?

We care for over 25,000 children across the UK, across our portfolio of over 300 nurseries, 98% of which are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. We’ve been voted Great Place to Work for the last 17 consecutive years, as well achieving Great Place for Wellbeing and Great Place for Women.

Since 2005, we have supported the lives of thousands of children through our Bright Horizons Foundation for Children, supporting families and children in crisis – something we could not achieve without our Bright Horizons colleagues ongoing volunteering and fundraising.

What you’ll be doing:

1. Plan, create and implement engaging activities, tailored to each of your key children, to encourage their development towards key milestones.
2. Observing, tracking and reflecting on learning
3. Develop and maintain strong parent/carer partnerships
4. Promote and ensure child welfare, protection, health and safety, and safeguarding procedures and policies are followed at all times
5. Work with colleagues to maintain a positive, happy and safe environment on a day-to-day basis

What we’re looking for:

1. Full and Relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification (essential)
2. Previous experience working with children (ideally as a Nursery Nurse, Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Educator, Nursery Assistant or similar)
3. Passion for making learning fun and engaging for each child
4. Ability to build trust and strong working relationships with both colleagues and parents
5. Ability to use a variety of techniques to clearly and successfully communicate with both children and adults
6. Strong knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, Child Protection, and the wider legislative requirements for working with children

Bright Horizons are committed to creating inclusive environments where everyone has a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to contribute and thrive in meaningful and impactful ways. We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. If you share our passion, values, and have most of the skills listed, we encourage you to apply – as you may be just what we’re looking for! Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS. Some of our roles require specific qualifications by law, this will be highlighted as essential within the advert.

We look forward to receiving your application!

If you experience any problems, please email europe.recruitment@brighthorizons.com and we will be happy to help.