Level 3 Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator) – Nursery Job in Leyton (E10)

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Job title: Level 3 Early Years Practitioner / Early Years Educator

Location: Leyton, London E10 (near Walthamstow)

Job type: Full-time or part-time

Salary: Dependent on experience

Start date: ASAP

We’re looking for a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator) to join our nursery in Leyton, East London (E10), just a short distance from Walthamstow. This is a full-time or part-time role for someone who wants to work in a calm, child-led environment.

About The Nook Nursery in Leyton

At The Nook Nursery, we believe that how children feel is just as important as what they learn.

We are a small, independent nursery offering a calm, home-from-home environment where children are given time to explore, connect, and develop at their own pace.

Our practice is guided by a Curiosity Approach and in-the-moment planning, alongside a gentle, nurturing Hygge approach to care.

This means:

No busy, overstimulating classrooms
No rigid activity plans
Children lead their own learning through play and exploration

About the role – Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

We’re looking for a thoughtful, emotionally aware Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to join our team.

This is a hands-on, floor-based role, where you will act as a Key Person, building strong relationships with children and families, and supporting learning through play, curiosity, and connectiWe’re looking for a thoughtful, emotionally aware Level 3 Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator) to join our team at our nursery in Leyton, East London.

This is a hands-on, floor-based early years role, where you will act as a Key Person, building strong relationships with children and families, and supporting learning through play, curiosity, and connection.

This role would suit someone looking for a nursery practitioner job or Level 3 childcare role in Leyton who wants to work in a calmer, more thoughtful environment.

What This Looks Like in Practice

At The Nook, this role is different from more traditional nursery settings.

You will:

Spend most of your day at child level, engaging in play
Observe children closely and respond in the moment, rather than following pre-planned activities
Support children’s schemas (e.g. transporting, trajectory, rotation, enclosure)
Use loose parts and natural materials (wood, baskets, fabrics, real objects)
Create calm, uncluttered spaces — not overstimulating environments
Allow children time for deep play, repetition, and exploration
Use language that supports and extends thinking, rather than directing
Follow children’s routines and needs, especially in early years and baby rooms

This role is not suited to someone who prefers:

Adult-led activities
Theme-based planning
Busy, fast-paced environments

Key Responsibilities – Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Acting as a Key Person for a group of children within our Early Years setting
Building secure, emotionally attuned relationships
Supporting children’s learning through play and exploration as a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
Observing, assessing, and planning in line with the EYFS framework
Creating calm, engaging learning environments
Working closely with families and supporting transitions
Supporting a positive and reflective team culture within a nursery practitioner team

What We’re Looking For – Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification
Experience working with young children (baby room experience desirable)
Good understanding of EYFS framework
Strong understanding of safeguarding in early years settings
Ability to build secure attachments with children
Calm, patient, and reflective approach

We’d especially love to hear from you if you:

Have experience with the Curiosity Approach or similar child-led approaches
Understand schemas and learning through play in an early years setting
Value slowing down and working at the child’s pace
Enjoy working outdoors in all weathers

Why Join Our Nursery in Leyton

Cosy reading tent in a calm nursery environment in Leyton E10

Calm, non-corporate environment
Strong focus on relationships and wellbeing
Supportive, reflective team
Opportunity to grow and develop your practice
A setting where quality of interaction matters more than paperwork

Working Hours – Early Years Role

Full-time or part-time Early Years role
Shifts between 8:00am – 6:00pm, Monday to Friday

Safeguarding in our nursery

The Nook Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in our early years setting. All staff must share this commitment. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and references.

How to Apply for this Level 3 Early Years Practitioner Job in Leyton

Click button below to send your CV and a short covering note:

Apply here

Tell us a little about:

Your experience in early years
What kind of nursery you enjoy working in
Why The Nook feels like a good fit for you

We’re looking to appoint as soon as possible

You can also explore more opportunities on our Careers at The Nook Nursery page.