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Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Early Years Practitioner

The closing date is 23 March 2026

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Job summary

Are you passionate about nurturing young minds and creating a fun, safe and inclusive environment for children?Rainbow Day Nursery islooking fordedicated Early Years Practitioners to join our warm, supportive team, caring for children aged 3 months to 5 years.

Due to service growth and staffing changes, we have a range of full-time and part-time opportunities available. You will work collaboratively within a large, motivated team to deliver high-quality care and learning experiences. Depending on service needs, you may be based in a specific age group or work flexibly across the nursery.

Main duties of the job

  • Support children aged 3 months to 5 years through engaging, play-based learning experiences

  • Foster a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child feels safe,valuedand supported

  • Assistwith daily routines including meals, snacks, resttimesand personal care

  • Support children's learning and development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

  • Work collaboratively with colleagues tomaintainhigh standardsof care and practice

  • Act as a key person for children whererequired, supporting their individual needs and development

  • Work flexibly across rooms when needed to support staffing ratios, annualleaveand service demands

About us

Rainbow Day Nursery is the workplace nursery for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, based at the Annexe site near Torbay Hospital. The nursery is a purpose-built,spaciousand airy setting caring for up to 54 children per day.

We have three bright, well-equipped playrooms tailored to different age groups (0-2 years, 2-3 years and 3-4 years), all with access to a large, secure outdoor garden.

You will be part of a valued and well-established nursery team within the NHS, working closely with colleagues andbenefitingfrom strong organisational support. We place high importance on work-life balance, professionaldevelopmentand staff wellbeing.

Why work with us? Staffbenefitfrom:

  • Ongoing CPD opportunities

  • Regular staff meetings and reflective practice

  • Access to Local Authority and NHS Trust training

  • Mandatory training including Safeguarding Children and Paediatric First Aid

  • Opportunities for progression within a supportive environment

The nursery is open Monday to Friday, 6:45am - 18:00pm, 52 weeks of the year, and is closed on weekends and bank holidays. Shift patterns vary within these hours, and we are happy to discuss working days and patterns with suitable candidates.

Take a lookat our 'Welcome to Rainbow Day Nursery' information sheet attached to the advert, to learn morewhat we have to offer!

Details

Date posted

23 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

388-7604373-CORP

Job locations

Rainbow Day Nursery, Annexe Site

Torbay Hospital, 187 Newton Road

Torquay

TQ2 7BA


Job description

Job responsibilities

  • Hold a Level 3 recognised Early Years qualification in line with Government guidance

  • Demonstrate sound knowledge of EYFS, child development and safeguarding

  • Maintain a high standard of professional practice at all times

  • Build positive relationships with children,parentsand colleagues

  • Work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly

  • Support the nurserys values of being caring, inclusive and focused on quality

  • Work flexibly across the setting to meet the needs of the service

Our people are caring,committedand focused on delivering high-quality care. If you share our values and are passionate about making a difference in childrens lives, you could be a real asset to our team.

Formoreinformation around the job role responsibilities and entry criteria, please refer to the combined job description and person specification.

Job description

Job responsibilities

  • Hold a Level 3 recognised Early Years qualification in line with Government guidance

  • Demonstrate sound knowledge of EYFS, child development and safeguarding

  • Maintain a high standard of professional practice at all times

  • Build positive relationships with children,parentsand colleagues

  • Work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly

  • Support the nurserys values of being caring, inclusive and focused on quality

  • Work flexibly across the setting to meet the needs of the service

Our people are caring,committedand focused on delivering high-quality care. If you share our values and are passionate about making a difference in childrens lives, you could be a real asset to our team.

Formoreinformation around the job role responsibilities and entry criteria, please refer to the combined job description and person specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ3 Early Years Care and Education or equivalent Childcare Qualification

Desirable

  • First Aid

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Sound knowledge of the needs of children from 0 - 5 years
  • Proven relevant experience of working with children from 0-5 years in a group setting.
  • To work in partnership with parents and colleagues
  • Sound knowledge of safeguarding procedures
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ3 Early Years Care and Education or equivalent Childcare Qualification

Desirable

  • First Aid

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Sound knowledge of the needs of children from 0 - 5 years
  • Proven relevant experience of working with children from 0-5 years in a group setting.
  • To work in partnership with parents and colleagues
  • Sound knowledge of safeguarding procedures

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Rainbow Day Nursery, Annexe Site

Torbay Hospital, 187 Newton Road

Torquay

TQ2 7BA


Employer's website

https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Rainbow Day Nursery, Annexe Site

Torbay Hospital, 187 Newton Road

Torquay

TQ2 7BA


Employer's website

https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Nursery Manager

Tina Mwaro/Jennie Judge

tsdft.rainbow@nhs.net

01803654150

Details

Date posted

23 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

388-7604373-CORP

Job locations

Rainbow Day Nursery, Annexe Site

Torbay Hospital, 187 Newton Road

Torquay

TQ2 7BA


Supporting documents

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