Early Years Practitioner

Job summary

Contribute to updating records of achievements (i.e.: profiles, observations, care plans), to support the individual needs of the children/families. Assist the management team (i.e.: Deputy and Early Years Professional) to develop, implement and evaluate play and planning using the EYFS for the individual child and family To support the nursery team and management team in the delivery of the service and the development of quality care As a key carer the jobholder will assist in the settling in programme to meet the childs/familys individual needs including first contact with the parent or carer To assist the nursery team when communicating nursery routines and procedures with new parents As part of the nursery team your role will include observing, collating, presenting and recording developmental milestones for childrens individual profiles Ensure each family receives daily positive feedback Report concerns or family issues to appropriate manager

Main duties of the job

What Were Looking For - Ofstedrecognised Level 3 childcare qualification - Ability to create a warm, caring, inclusive environment - Strong understanding of child development (05 years) - Knowledge of Ofsted welfare requirements

About us

The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to delivering the highest quality and safest treatment and care to every patient, every time. Our vision is to provide the highest quality specialist and integrated care. We will do this through delivery of our multi-year goals and strategic priorities, which you can read about on this page. Central to it all is The Leeds Way our values and behaviours that are at the heart of everything we do.

Details

• Date posted: 21 July 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 3
• Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 001579
• Job locations: St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

For questions about this job, contact:

Lydia Smith Senior Nursery manager lydia.smith10@nhs.net 0113 3070684 Shortlisting Date: 29/07/2026 Interview Date: 04/08/2026

Job Summary

Contribute to updating records of achievements (i.e.: profiles, observations, care plans), to support the individual needs of the children/families.

Assist the management team (i.e.: Deputy and Early Years Professional) to develop, implement and evaluate play and planning using the EYFS for the individual child and family

To support the nursery team and management team in the delivery of the service and the development of quality care

As a key carer the jobholder will assist in the settling in programme to meet the child’s/family’s individual needs including first contact with the parent or carer

To assist the nursery team when communicating nursery routines and procedures with new parents

As part of the nursery team your role will include observing, collating, presenting and recording developmental milestones for children’s individual profiles

Ensure each family receives daily positive feedback

Report concerns or family issues to appropriate manager

Why you should join our Team

Are you passionate about early years education and eager to make a real difference in the lives of young children? At the LTHT Nurseries, you’ll be part of a warm, dedicated team providing highquality childcare for the families of Leeds NHS staff.

With varying shift patterns and a guaranteed day off during the week, this is a role that truly supports work–life balance.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

Flexible Shifts & Work–Life Balance

- A range of shift patterns to suit your lifestyle

- Enjoy a day off every week with our 4-day working shift pattern

Easy, StressFree Travel

- Free staff parking

- Excellent public transport links and easy access to Leeds city centre

Inspiring Early Years Environment

- Be part of a freeflow play setting that supports curiosity, independence and creativity

- Two unique nursery sites caring for 168 children aged 0–5

- Open yearround, Monday to Friday, 7am–6pm (excluding Bank Holidays)

Grow Your Career With Us

- Access to ongoing training, development, and progression opportunities

Fantastic LTHT Employee Benefits

- 27 days' annual leave (pro rata), rising to 33, plus Bank Holidays

- Blue Light Card and staff discounts across retail, travel, gyms, holidays and more

- Familyfriendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave

- Wellbeing support from trained champions and mental health first aiders

- Discounted childcare

- NHS Pension Scheme

- Car lease, cycle to work and childcare schemes

- Competitive pay and favourable terms & conditions

If you’re enthusiastic, caring and ready to take the next step in your early years career, we’d love to hear from you. Come and join the LTHT family—where your passion is valued and your development is supported

What you will bring to the role

What We’re Looking For

- Ofstedrecognised Level 3 childcare qualification

- Ability to create a warm, caring, inclusive environment

- Strong understanding of child development (0–5 years)

- Knowledge of Ofsted welfare requirements

About Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust

Our Trust values

The Leeds Way is working together to support each other and deliver the best possible care to patients.

We are….

Responsible Open and Honest One Team Kind

Our Trust priorities

Our purpose: Excellent, safe and sustainable care for every patient every time

Our priorities:

People Improvement and Innovation Partnerships Outcomes

To comply with UK Government regulations on Skilled Worker sponsorship, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust is unable to provide sponsorship to applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria or the salary threshold concessions set out under the Skilled Worker visa route. Please take this into consideration before submitting your application. Full guidance on these concessions, including details of who may qualify, can be found here.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of suitable applications.