Nursery Practitioner / Early Years Educator (Temp-to-Perm)

About the Role

Action Staffing Ltd is actively recruiting enthusiastic, passionate, and qualified Nursery Practitioners (Level 2 or Level 3) and Early Years Educators for an exceptional Temp-to-Perm opportunity across high-standard, Ofsted-registered day nurseries and pre-schools in Croydon, South London (covering Central Croydon, South Croydon, Purley, Thornton Heath, and surrounding areas).

This Temp-to-Perm arrangement offers the perfect route to establish yourself within a welcoming, professional nursery team on an initial 12-week agency placement, with a direct pathway onto a permanent, contracted role upon successful completion.

---

London Pay, Hours & Contract Details

• Initial Agency Rate: £13.50 – £15.50 per hour (dependent on qualification level and experience; weekly pay with accrued holiday pay)
• Permanent Salary Equivalent: £26,000 – £31,500 per annum (upon transition to permanent nursery staff)
• Working Hours: Full-time, 37.5 – 40 hours per week (shift rota between 07:30 and 18:30, Monday to Friday)
• Contract Model: 12-week Temp-to-Perm agency placement leading to a permanent employment contract
• Start Date: Immediate starts available following compliance and reference clearance

---

Key Responsibilities

• Providing high-quality daily care, inclusive play, and learning experiences aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework.
• Operating as a dedicated Key Person for an assigned cohort of children, conducting regular observations and keeping development trackers up to date.
• Planning and facilitating creative, stimulating learning activities that encourage speech, communication, physical coordination, and emotional resilience.
• Upholding stringent safeguarding standards, keeping children safe, and maintaining high hygiene, health, and safety protocols across all rooms.
• Supporting children during mealtimes, rest times, and personal care/toileting routines with warmth and dignity.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with parents and guardians during daily drop-off and collection handovers.
• Collaborating with Room Leaders, Deputy Managers, and the Nursery Manager to support Ofsted 'Good' and 'Outstanding' delivery.

---

Candidate Requirements

• Childcare Qualifications: Full and relevant UK qualification (CACHE, NVQ, or BTEC Level 2 or Level 3 in Early Years, Childcare, or Children’s Care, Learning & Development) or DfE-approved equivalent.
• Experience: Minimum 6 months of hands-on experience in a UK Ofsted-registered day nursery, pre-school, or school reception/foundation setting.
• Vetting & Compliance:
  • An Enhanced DBS check on the Child Workforce register (Update Service subscribed, or willingness to process an application).
  • Verified Right to Work in the UK.
  • 2 satisfactory professional references (with at least one from your most recent childcare or educational setting).
  • Complete 5-year employment and education history with any gaps explained.
• Core Competencies: Genuine passion for child development, reliable timekeeping, positive team attitude, and clear communication skills.
• Desirable: Valid 12-hour Paediatric First Aid certificate, Safeguarding Lead certification, and Food Hygiene Level 2.

---

What We Offer

• Seamless temp-to-perm transition into a secure permanent position in Croydon.
• Fast-track digital vetting and onboarding via Action Staffing Ltd.
• Reliable weekly payroll throughout your initial agency placement.
• Dedicated consultant support to help you navigate your nursery career progression.

---

Search & Industry Keywords

Nursery Practitioner Croydon, Level 3 Nursery Nurse South London, Level 2 Early Years Practitioner, Early Years Educator Croydon, EYFS, Nursery Assistant, Childcare Worker Croydon, Purley Day Nursery Jobs, Thornton Heath Nursery Vacancy, Temp to Perm Nursery, Agency to Permanent Childcare, London Childcare Jobs, CACHE Level 3 Childcare, Ofsted Registered Nursery, Action Staffing Ltd Childcare.