Little Learners Nursery

Main Rd, Sellindge, Ashford TN25 6JY
01303 814968

Sparkling Angels Nursery

1-7 Wharf Road Stanford-le-Hope SS17 0BZ
01375767445

Current Vacancies At Our Nurseries

Why work for us

At Sparkling Angels, our philosophy is based on transparency, trust, respect and equal opportunity. There is a real sense of family and we work efficiently and support one another as a team. Leadership and management team provide staff with adequate training and development opportunities to be the best they can be.

Assistant Early Years Practitioner

Nursery Manager

Deputy Manager

Our Philosophy

When you join Sparkling Angels team, you are entering an environment that welcomes all. At Sparkling Angels, we encourage children to take pride in themselves, their families, background and their heritage. Our nurseries are built on the passion for changing the face of new beginners. We aim for excellence in our curriculum, and our flexible learning approach means we can allow every child to develop, achieve their full potential and prepared for success in school and life.
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Job Opening

Early Years Practitioner

Safer Recruitment – Early Years Practitioner

This Safer Recruitment Pack has been designed in line with EYFS, Ofsted, Keeping Children
Safe in Education (KCSIE), and safer recruitment best practice.

1. Safer Recruitment Statement
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We
expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to
enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, right to work checks, and suitability assessments
in line with EYFS and Ofsted requirements.

Location: Wharf Road
Salary: £13 per hour / annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)
Hours: [Full-time / Part-time / Flexible]
Contract: Permanent

About the Role
We are seeking a passionate, caring, and motivated Early Years Practitioner to join our dedicated team. The successful candidate will play a vital role in providing high-quality early education and care for children aged 0–5 years, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Ofsted requirements.

You will support children’s learning and development through engaging, play-based experiences
while ensuring their safety, well-being, and individual needs are met at all times.

Job Description: Early Years Practitioner

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality care and education in accordance with the EYFS statutory
framework.
• Plan, observe, and assess children’s learning and development, using observations to
inform next steps.
• Support children’s personal, social, emotional, physical, and educational development.
• Create a safe, stimulating, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment.
• Act as a Key Person, building secure relationships with children and their families.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including learning journeys and progress
summaries.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring every child feels valued and
supported.
• Follow safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures at all times, in line with
Keeping Children Safe in Education and Ofsted requirements.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, parents/carers, and external professionals.
• Ensure health and safety standards are met, including risk assessments and hygiene
practices.
• Support children with additional needs and work in partnership with SENCOs and
outside agencies where required.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development.

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

• Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Childcare / Early Years (or equivalent, recognised by
the DfE).
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the EYFS framework.
• Understanding of Ofsted standards and inspection expectations.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Ability to plan and deliver age-appropriate activities.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to promoting children’s welfare, learning, and development.

Desirable Requirements

• Paediatric First Aid certificate (or willingness to undertake training).
• Experience working within a nursery or early years setting.
• Experience supporting children with SEND.
• Knowledge of observation and assessment tools (e.g. learning journals, online systems).

Safeguarding Statement
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful
applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, provide suitable references,
and comply with safer recruitment practices in line with Ofsted requirements.

What We Offer
• A supportive and friendly working environment.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Opportunities for career progression.
• A setting that values staff well-being and teamwork.

References (Safer Recruitment Compliant)
• Please provide details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most
recent employer. References will be requested prior to appointment and will include
questions relating to your suitability to work with children.

Pre-Employment Checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to:
• Enhanced DBS check (including barred list)
• Satisfactory references
• Right to work in the UK
• Verification of qualifications
• Health declaration
• Disqualification by Association declaration (where applicable)

How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and a covering letter to [enquiry@sparklingangelsnursery.co.uk].

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed.

Job Opening

Early Years Apprentice

Safer Recruitment – Early Years Apprentice

This Safer Recruitment Pack has been designed in line with EYFS, Ofsted, Keeping Children
Safe in Education (KCSIE), and safer recruitment best practice.

1. Safer Recruitment Statement
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, right to work checks, and suitability assessments in line with EYFS and Ofsted requirements.

Location: Wharf Road
Salary: Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage (in line with government guidelines)
Hours: [Full-time – typically 30–40 hours per week]
Contract: Fixed-term Apprenticeship (with potential for permanent role)
Qualification: Early Years Educator Level 2 or Level 3 Apprenticeship

About the Role
We are looking for a motivated, enthusiastic, and caring Early Years Apprentice to join our supportive early years team in our setting. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about working with young children and wishes to gain a recognised qualification while developing practical experience in a high-quality early years environment.

You will work under the supervision of qualified practitioners and teachers to support children aged 0–5 years, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and Ofsted requirements. You will be supported through regular supervision, mentoring, and off-the-job training as part of your apprenticeship.

Job Description: Early Years Apprentice

Key Responsibilities

• Support qualified staff in delivering play-based learning in line with the EYFS statutory
framework.
• Assist with planning and providing engaging, age-appropriate activities.
• Observe children’s learning and development and contribute to observations and
assessments.
• Help create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment.
• Support children’s personal care routines, including toileting, feeding, and hygiene.
• Promote children’s emotional well-being and positive behaviour.
• Follow safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures at all times.
• Assist with maintaining accurate records and learning journals.
• Work in partnership with parents and carers under staff guidance.
• Support children with additional needs, under supervision.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Attend training sessions, college days, and complete coursework as required for the
apprenticeship.
• Support the wider setting ethos, routines, and expectations of a nursery environment,
including adherence to policies set by the governing body, trust, or provider.

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

• A genuine interest in working with young children.
• Willingness to learn and work towards an Early Years qualification (Level 2 or Level 3).
• Basic understanding of safeguarding and child welfare (training will be provided).
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Reliable, caring, and enthusiastic approach.
• Ability to follow instructions and policies.

Desirable Requirements

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths (or willingness to work towards them).
• Any prior experience with children (paid, voluntary, or personal).
• Knowledge of the EYFS (desirable but not essential).

Safeguarding Statement
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in line with the EYFS statutory framework, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), and Ofsted requirements. All staff and apprentices are expected to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be required to:
• Undertake an enhanced DBS check, including barred list checks where applicable.
• Provide satisfactory references that specifically comment on their suitability to work with
children.
• Complete safeguarding training as part of their induction and ongoing professional
development.
• Follow all safeguarding, child protection, whistleblowing, and safer working practice
policies at all times.

Safeguarding is a core responsibility of this role, and failure to adhere to safeguarding
procedures may result in disciplinary action.

What We Offer
• Fully funded apprenticeship qualification.
• Supportive mentoring from experienced practitioners.
• Hands-on experience in a professional early years setting.
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities.
• Opportunity for permanent employment upon successful completion of the
apprenticeship.

References (Safer Recruitment Compliant)
• Please provide details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most
recent employer. References will be requested prior to appointment and will include
questions relating to your suitability to work with children.

Pre-Employment Checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to:
• Enhanced DBS check (including barred list)
• Satisfactory references
• Right to work in the UK
• Verification of qualifications
• Health declaration
• Disqualification by Association declaration (where applicable)

How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and a covering letter to [enquiry@sparklingangelsnursery.co.uk].

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed.

Job Opening

Senior Early Years Practitioner

Safer Recruitment – Senior Early Years Practitioner

This Safer Recruitment Pack has been designed in line with EYFS, Ofsted, Keeping Children
Safe in Education (KCSIE), and safer recruitment best practice.

1. Safer Recruitment Statement
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, right to work checks, and suitability assessments in line with EYFS and Ofsted requirements.

Location: Wharf Road
Salary: £14 per hour / annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)
Hours: [Full-time / Part-time]
Contract: Permanent

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced, dedicated, and inspirational Senior Early Years Practitioner to join our leadership team. This role is ideal for a highly skilled practitioner who is passionate about delivering outstanding early years practice and supporting staff to meet the highest standards of care and education.

You will lead practice within the room, support the Deputy Manager/Manager, and ensure delivery of high-quality provision in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and Ofsted requirements.

Job Description: Senior Early Years Practitioner

Main Purpose of the Role

To lead by example in delivering high-quality early education and care, support and mentor staff,
and ensure children’s learning, development, safety, and well-being are promoted at all times.

Key Responsibilities

Practice & Child Development

• Deliver outstanding early years practice in line with the EYFS statutory framework.
• Plan, observe, and assess children’s learning and development, ensuring next steps are
clearly identified.
• Act as a Key Person, supporting children’s emotional security and individual needs.
• Ensure inclusive practice, supporting children with
SEND and working with the SENCO
and external professionals.

Leadership & Staff Support
• Support, mentor, and guide Early Years Practitioners and Apprentices.
• Lead room-based practice, routines, and planning to ensure consistency and quality.
• Model best practice in teaching, learning, and behaviour management.
• Support induction of new staff and students.

Safeguarding & Welfare (Ofsted Inspection–Ready)
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children at all times.
• Act in accordance with safeguarding, child protection, whistleblowing, and safer working
practice policies.
• Recognise signs of abuse or neglect and follow reporting procedures in line with KCSIE
and EYFS.
• Ensure health and safety standards, risk assessments, and hygiene practices are
maintained.

Partnership Working
• Build strong, professional relationships with parents and carers.
• Support effective communication regarding children’s progress and well-being.
• Liaise with external agencies where required.

Compliance & Quality
• Support the Manager/Deputy in maintaining Ofsted compliance.
• Contribute to self-evaluation, action plans, and quality improvement.
• Maintain accurate records, learning journeys, and reports.

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

• Level 3 qualification in Early Years / Childcare (or above), recognised by the DfE.
• Significant experience working in an early years setting.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework.
• Sound understanding of Ofsted inspection requirements.
• Excellent safeguarding knowledge and practice.
• Experience supporting or mentoring staff.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.

Desirable Requirements

• Level 4 or Level 5 qualification in Early Years or Leadership.
• Experience acting as a room leader or senior practitioner.
• Paediatric First Aid certificate.
• Experience supporting children with SEND.

Desirable Requirements

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths (or willingness to work towards them).
• Any prior experience with children (paid, voluntary, or personal).
• Knowledge of the EYFS (desirable but not essential).

Safeguarding Statement

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in line with the
EYFS statutory framework, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), and Ofsted
requirements. All staff and apprentices are expected to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be required to:
• Undertake an enhanced DBS check, including barred list checks where applicable.
• Provide satisfactory references that specifically comment on their suitability to work with
children.
• Complete safeguarding training as part of their induction and ongoing professional
development.
• Follow all safeguarding, child protection, whistleblowing, and safer working practice
policies at all times.

Safeguarding is a core responsibility of this role, and failure to adhere to safeguarding procedures may result in disciplinary action

What We Offer
• A supportive leadership team and positive working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Training to support leadership and inspection readiness.

References (Safer Recruitment Compliant)
• Please provide details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most
recent employer. References will be requested prior to appointment and will include
questions relating to your suitability to work with children.

Pre-Employment Checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to:
• Enhanced DBS check (including barred list)
• Satisfactory references
• Right to work in the UK
• Verification of qualifications
• Health declaration
• Disqualification by Association declaration (where applicable)

How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and a covering letter to [enquiry@sparklingangelsnursery.co.uk].

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed.