Join Our Team

Are you looking for a new career with CPD training and progression opportunities available? Do you work well as part of a team? We may just be looking for you!

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  • Your Turn to Make a Difference

  • Multiple Sites

  • Additional Leave

  • Full and Part-Time Positions Available

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Level 3 Nursery Practitioner

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re looking for a qualified Nursery Practitioner with a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education to join our friendly and experienced early years team here at Mountnessing. In this role, you’ll support children’s learning and development through engaging activities, maintain key person responsibilities, and help create a warm, nurturing nursery environment. You’ll work closely with colleagues and families to ensure every child receives the highest standard of care and support. If you’re passionate about early years education and ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Location

    Mountnessing

  • Basis

    Full-Time

  • Salary

    Starting from £27,040

Level 2 Nursery Practitioner

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re looking for a qualified Nursery Practitioner with a Level 2 qualification in Childcare and Education to join our friendly and experienced early years team here at Mountnessing. In this role, you’ll support children’s learning and development through engaging activities, maintain key person responsibilities, and help create a warm, nurturing nursery environment. You’ll work closely with colleagues and families to ensure every child receives the highest standard of care and support. If you’re passionate about early years education and ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Location

    Mountnessing

  • Basis

    Full-Time

  • Salary

    Starting from £25,800

Afternoon Support

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re looking for a caring and reliable Afternoon Nursery Support Practitioner with a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education to join our dedicated early years team here at Mountnessing. This part-time role involves supporting children's routines, engaging them in meaningful play, and maintaining a safe, welcoming nursery environment during the afternoon session. You’ll work alongside experienced staff to ensure consistent care and provide key support where needed. If you're passionate about early years education and want to make a positive impact each day, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Location

    Mountnessing

  • Basis

    Part-Time

  • Salary

    Starting from £25,800

Flexi-Staff

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re looking for enthusiastic and adaptable Flexi-Staff Nursery Practitioners with a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education to join our supportive early years team here at Mountnessing. This flexible role is ideal for those who want to work around other commitments while still making a real impact in a high-quality nursery environment. You’ll step in where needed to support routines, engage children in learning and play, and help maintain a safe, nurturing space. If you’re passionate about early years education and value variety in your work, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Location

    Mountnessing

  • Basis

    Zero-hour

  • Salary

    Starting from £12.41 ph

Level 3 Nursery Practitioner

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re seeking a dedicated Nursery Practitioner with a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education to join our passionate early years team in Braintree. In this role, you’ll supervise children and maintain staff-to-child ratios, plan and assess development in line with the EYFS framework, and may take on your own group of key children. You’ll help create a warm, caring, and stimulating nursery environment where children can truly flourish. Strong teamwork and the ability to build close, supportive relationships with parents and carers are essential, as we continue to provide exceptional care and ongoing support for our families.

  • Location

    Braintree

  • Basis

    Full-Time

  • Salary

    Starting from £27,040

Level 2 Nursery Practitioner

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re seeking a dedicated Nursery Practitioner with a Level 2 qualification in Childcare and Education to join our passionate early years team in Braintree. In this role, you’ll supervise children and maintain staff-to-child ratios, plan and assess development in line with the EYFS framework, and may take on your own group of key children. You’ll help create a warm, caring, and stimulating nursery environment where children can truly flourish. Strong teamwork and the ability to build close, supportive relationships with parents and carers are essential, as we continue to provide exceptional care and ongoing support for our families.

  • Location

    Braintree

  • Basis

    Full-Time

  • Salary

    Starting from £25,800

Flexi-Staff

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re seeking a dedicated Nursery Practitioner with a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education to join our passionate early years team in Braintree. In this role, you’ll supervise children and maintain staff-to-child ratios, plan and assess development in line with the EYFS framework, and may take on your own group of key children. You’ll help create a warm, caring, and stimulating nursery environment where children can truly flourish. Strong teamwork and the ability to build close, supportive relationships with parents and carers are essential, as we continue to provide exceptional care and ongoing support for our families.

  • Location

    Braintree

  • Basis

    Full-Time

  • Salary

    Starting from £12.41ph

Level 3 Nursery Practitioner

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re looking for a qualified Nursery Practitioner with a Level 3 in Childcare and Education to join our committed early years team here in Heybridge. You’ll be responsible for supervising children, maintaining staff-to-child ratios, planning and assessing activities, and may have your own group of key children. A warm, caring approach is essential to help children feel secure and thrive in a safe, nurturing nursery environment. You'll also work closely with parents and carers to build strong relationships and continue delivering the outstanding care and support our families rely on.

  • Location

    Heybridge

  • Basis

    Full-Time

  • Salary

    Starting from £27,040

Level 2 Nursery Practitioner

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re looking for a qualified Nursery Practitioner with a Level 2 in Childcare and Education to join our committed early years team here in Heybridge. You’ll be responsible for supervising children, maintaining staff-to-child ratios, planning and assessing activities, and may have your own group of key children. A warm, caring approach is essential to help children feel secure and thrive in a safe, nurturing nursery environment. You'll also work closely with parents and carers to build strong relationships and continue delivering the outstanding care and support our families rely on.

  • Location

    Heybridge

  • Basis

    Full-Time

  • Salary

    Starting from £25,800

Flexi-Staff

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

As a member of Nursery Bank Staff, you will be expected to provide inspiration to nursery children through exciting activities, actively model and promote the values and ethos of the nursery along with showing a sound knowledge of how children develop, learn and play. It is important to maintain a safe, secure and caring environment along with working as part of a team showing great communication skills. You must hold a valid Level 2 or 3 in childcare and education.

  • Location

    Heybridge

  • Basis

    Zero-Hour

  • Salary

    Starting from £12.41

Level 3 Nursery Practitioner

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re actively recruiting a passionate and reliable Nursery Practitioner with a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education to join our growing early years team in Ongar. In this role, you’ll supervise children, maintain staff-to-child ratios, plan engaging activities, and assess individual progress following the EYFS framework. You may also be responsible for your own group of key children, supporting their learning and development. We're looking for someone who can help create a warm, caring, and inclusive nursery environment, while building strong relationships with parents and carers to continue delivering the high-quality care and support our families trust.

  • Location

    Fyfield, Ongar

  • Basis

    Full-Time

  • Salary

    Starting from £27,040

Level 2 Nursery Practitioner

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re actively recruiting a passionate and reliable Nursery Practitioner with a Level 2 qualification in Childcare and Education to join our growing early years team in Ongar. In this role, you’ll supervise children, maintain staff-to-child ratios, plan engaging activities, and assess individual progress following the EYFS framework. You may also be responsible for your own group of key children, supporting their learning and development. We're looking for someone who can help create a warm, caring, and inclusive nursery environment, while building strong relationships with parents and carers to continue delivering the high-quality care and support our families trust.

  • Location

    Fyfield, Ongar

  • Basis

    Full-Time

  • Salary

    Starting from £25,800

Under 1's Room Leader

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re looking for an experienced and confident Room Leader with a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education to lead a vibrant room within our supportive early years setting based in Ongar. You’ll be responsible for overseeing daily routines, supervising staff, planning and delivering engaging activities, and ensuring high standards of care in line with the EYFS framework. As a key person, you’ll also support a group of children, track their development, and build strong, professional relationships with families. If you’re passionate about early years education, confident in leading a team, and ready to inspire both children and colleagues, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Location

    Fyfield, Ongar

  • Basis

    Full-Time

  • Salary

    Starting from £29,120

Under 2's Room Leader

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re looking for an experienced and confident Room Leader with a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education to lead a vibrant room within our supportive early years setting based in Ongar. You’ll be responsible for overseeing daily routines, supervising staff, planning and delivering engaging activities, and ensuring high standards of care in line with the EYFS framework. As a key person, you’ll also support a group of children, track their development, and build strong, professional relationships with families. If you’re passionate about early years education, confident in leading a team, and ready to inspire both children and colleagues, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Location

    Fyfield, Ongar

  • Basis

    Full-Time

  • Salary

    Starting from £29,120

Flexi-Staff

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re looking for flexible and enthusiastic Nursery Bank Staff with a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education to join our supportive early years team in Ongar. In this role, you’ll step in as needed to deliver engaging activities, support children’s learning and development, and help maintain a safe, secure, and caring nursery environment. A strong understanding of how children learn through play, along with great teamwork and communication skills, is essential. If you’re passionate about early years education and enjoy working in a dynamic, flexible role, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Location

    Fyfield, Ongar

  • Basis

    Zero-hour

  • Salary

    Starting from £12.41 ph

Level 3 Nursery Practitioner

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re looking for a caring and committed Nursery Practitioner with a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education to join our welcoming early years team in Witham. You’ll be responsible for supervising children, maintaining required ratios, planning and assessing activities, and may have the opportunity to support your own group of key children. A warm and nurturing approach is essential, as you’ll help create an environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Building strong relationships with parents and carers is also key to continuing the outstanding care and support we offer every family.

  • Location

    Witham

  • Basis

    Full-Time

  • Salary

    Starting from £27,040

Level 2 Nursery Practitioner

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re looking for a caring and committed Nursery Practitioner with a Level 2 qualification in Childcare and Education to join our welcoming early years team in Witham. You’ll be responsible for supervising children, maintaining required ratios, planning and assessing activities, and may have the opportunity to support your own group of key children. A warm and nurturing approach is essential, as you’ll help create an environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Building strong relationships with parents and carers is also key to continuing the outstanding care and support we offer every family.

  • Location

    Witham

  • Basis

    Full-Time

  • Salary

    Starting from £25,800

Flexi-Staff

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re looking for enthusiastic and dependable Nursery Bank Staff with a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education to support our dynamic early years team on a flexible basis here in Witham. You’ll help inspire children through fun, engaging activities and demonstrate a strong understanding of how children develop, learn, and play. You'll model and promote the positive values and ethos of our nursery while helping to maintain a safe, secure, and nurturing nursery environment. Teamwork and excellent communication skills are essential, as you'll play a key role in delivering consistent, high-quality care whenever you're needed.

  • Location

    Witham

  • Basis

    Zero-hour

  • Salary

    Starting from £12.41 ph

Level 3 Nursery Practitioner

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re seeking a passionate and reliable Nursery Practitioner with a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education to join our dedicated early years team in Chelmsford. You’ll be responsible for supervising children, maintaining correct staff-to-child ratios, and planning and assessing engaging activities in line with the EYFS framework. You may also support a group of key children, helping to track their development and provide tailored care. A warm, caring nature and strong teamwork are essential, along with the ability to build close, positive relationships with parents and carers to ensure every child receives the highest level of care and support.

  • Location

    Chelmsford

  • Basis

    Full-Time

  • Salary

    Starting from £27,040

Level 2 Nursery Practitioner

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re seeking a passionate and reliable Nursery Practitioner with a Level 2 qualification in Childcare and Education to join our dedicated early years team in Chelmsford. You’ll be responsible for supervising children, maintaining correct staff-to-child ratios, and planning and assessing engaging activities in line with the EYFS framework. You may also support a group of key children, helping to track their development and provide tailored care. A warm, caring nature and strong teamwork are essential, along with the ability to build close, positive relationships with parents and carers to ensure every child receives the highest level of care and support.

  • Location

    Chelmsford

  • Basis

    Full-Time

  • Salary

    Starting from £25,800

Flexi-Staff

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re seeking flexible and enthusiastic Nursery Bank Staff with a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education to join our supportive early years team. You’ll inspire children through creative, engaging activities and demonstrate a solid understanding of how young children learn, develop, and play. This role requires a strong commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and nurturing nursery environment, while actively promoting our values and ethos. Excellent teamwork and communication skills are essential, as you’ll step in to support the team and provide consistent, high-quality care when needed.

  • Location

    Chelmsford

  • Basis

    Zero-hour

  • Salary

    Starting from £12.41

Flexi-Staff

Successful applicants will receive a £1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months.
To be eligible for a payment, you must either;
- Have not worked in a nursery before
- Have worked in a nursery before, but not in the last 6 months
- Have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months, but on a temporary contract

We’re looking for flexible and dedicated Flexi-Staff Nursery Practitioners with a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education to work across all Step Start sites. In this adaptable role, you’ll support different nursery rooms and age groups—from babies to preschoolers—stepping in to maintain ratios, follow daily routines, and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate activities in line with the EYFS. You’ll help ensure a safe, caring, and stimulating nursery environment while working closely with a variety of teams. If you’re passionate about early years education and thrive in a varied, team-focused role, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Location

    Essex

  • Basis

    Zero-hour

  • Salary

    Starting from £12.41

FAQ

Have any questions?

Here are some possible topics that you may need to ask a question around. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. No question is wrong!

I would like some more information on your fees.

No problem at all. Please send an email to accounts@stepstart.co.uk to request the current nursery fees for your little one.

Do you take childcare vouchers?

We do take childcare vouchers. If you need any further assistance with this please contact accounts@stepstart.co.uk.

Do you offer funded places?

We do offer funded places. You have the option for your child to attend term-time only or for the full year on a stretch-funded plan. There are a limited amount of funded places.

Do you take Tax Free Childcare payments?

Yes we do. Please make sure that you put this on your enrollment form and let the nursery manager know when you apply. Once you have set up your account and received your unique reference number please send this to accounts@stepstart.co.uk and let the team know how much you will be paying from this account each month. Your payments will need to be set up for 1st of each month.

How do I sign up?

Please contact the nursery manager and they will send you an enrollment form to fill out. Once you have completed this they will be in touch to complete your child's enrollment and arrange settle visits.

When do settle visits happen?

We normally like your child to complete three settle visits. These will usually take place within a week or two before your chosen start date.

How can I order more unform?

You can do this through our website on the shop page.

When will I be told who my child's key person is?

Your little one will choose their own key person during their settle visits or their first few sessions. Once they have built a close relationship with one person, you will receive a message from their key person introducing themselves.