"Early Years Educator"

Early Years Educator

University of Essex

Location: Colchester

Salary: £26,255 to £27,337 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 21st January 2026

Closes: 20th February 2026

Department

Set in the peaceful surroundings of Wivenhoe Park on our Colchester Campus the Day Nursery offers high quality care and education to children from 3 months to 5 years. We are open to the general public, university staff and students.

Duties of the Role

Responsibilities of the role will include;

• To utilise knowledge of the EYFS to plan and implement learning opportunities for children aged 0-5 years
• To be an effective key person, to care, value and respect children.
• To work as a team with other professionals to achieve the best outcomes for children.
• To work closely and work in partnership with parents, to keep them informed of their child’s developments.
• To follow Ofsted requirements and health and safety guidelines at all times.
• To have sound knowledge of and follow safeguarding procedures.
• To have a passion for outdoor learning.
• To attend training to keep up to date with best practice.

Skills and qualifications required:

• NVQ Level 3 in childcare (or equivalent) is essential.
• Paediatric first aid and safeguarding training is desirable.
• Basic ICT skills to keep children’s development records up to date using an online journal.
• Experience working with early years and as a key person
• A sound knowledge and understanding of the EYFS
• Strong communication skills
• To fulfil the requirements of a full DBS check

Full time and Fixed term available. The fixed-term period is until 31 August 2026 in order to provide cover for a permanent member of staff who is absent from work on maternity leave. You should note that there is provision in the terms of appointment for this fixed-term post to end earlier by due notice (1 month), if the permanent member of staff decides to return early to her post.

Please note that this vacancy is being advertised on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed weekly, and interviews scheduled on a regular basis whilst the role continues to be advertised. Potential applicants should be aware that the University reserves the right to withdraw this role at short notice if the position is filled early.

Please use the 'Apply' button to read further information about this role including the full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role. You will also find details of how to make your application here. Our website www.essex.ac.uk contains more information about the University of Essex. If you have a disability and would like information in a different format, please email resourcing@essex.ac.uk.