Nursery Nurse 0-2 Yrs

Under 2’s Nursery Nurse

Our Ethos

At Little Orchard Montessori Nurseries, we believe that children under two deserve the most qualified, caring and enthusiastic practitioners. These early years lay the foundation for everything that follows, and we are committed to providing an environment where our youngest children experience love, joy and fun alongside rich learning opportunities.

Purpose of the Role

• To deliver the highest standard of nurturing, stimulating and joyful care for the youngest children in our setting, recognising the crucial importance of these early years.

• To create an environment where fun, love and learning go hand-in-hand, ensuring that every child under two feels secure, valued and inspired to explore.

• To support colleagues across the setting, contributing to a cohesive, professional team and maintaining a safe, high-quality provision.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and provide age-appropriate, engaging and developmentally rich activities for children under two, in collaboration with colleagues.

• Ensure regular, accurate observations and assessments are completed using our digital record-keeping system, supporting each child’s progress.

• Work closely with parents/carers of children with additional needs to ensure full inclusion and tailored support.

• Build positive and professional relationships with parents, carers and family members, sharing information openly and sensitively.

• Contribute to a strong, supportive team ethos and participate in staff meetings, training, and nursery events.

• Flexibly support the day-to-day running of the Under 2’s room and the wider setting, including meal preparation, equipment cleaning and other domestic tasks when required.

• Uphold the philosophy and values of the nursery at all times, with a constant awareness of each child’s needs, safety and well-being.

• Ensure that children are only collected by authorised individuals and respect all aspects of confidentiality.

• Act as a key person for a small group of children, providing consistent care, planning and communication for their individual needs.

• Support mealtimes as positive, sociable experiences, and provide comfort, warmth and reassurance to children when unwell or unsettled.

• Contribute to creating and maintaining a high-quality, inclusive environment that reflects and respects diverse cultures, religions and stages of development.

Person Specification

Skills, Aptitude, Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrable experience of caring for or working with children aged 0–5, ideally including under-twos, in a paid or voluntary capacity.

• Commitment to delivering exceptional, high-quality childcare where emotional, social and physical development is prioritised.

• Genuine interest in the learning and development of children under two, recognising the importance of love, joy and fun in early experiences.

• Understanding of the EYFS framework and, ideally, Montessori principles.

• Willingness to learn and develop new skills through training and teamwork.

Personal Qualities

• Excellent organisational, planning and record-keeping skills.

• Warm, patient, empathetic and reliable with a passion for nurturing young children.

• Strong communication skills with children, colleagues, advisors and parents/carers.

• Positive, flexible and inclusive approach to working with children and colleagues.

• Enthusiastic team player able to work effectively in small groups.

• Punctuality and trustworthiness are essential.

Qualifications

• A recognised Level 3 Childcare qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development).

• Positive approach to gaining further qualifications, ideally working towards Level 4.

• Up-to-date Health & Safety and Food Hygiene awareness.

• Paediatric First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain).

• Evidence of ongoing professional development and training.

Safeguarding Statement

Little Orchard Montessori Nurseries are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references before employment is confirmed.

• Childcare Discount
• Company Pension
• Lots of training available
• Free and Confidential, Counselling helpline for staff members and family
• Exclusive staff benefit discount club