At the University of Bradford, our focus is on creating the conditions for social, cultural, and economic impact. We are committed to social inclusion. Our work to expand opportunity and enable students to reach their potential, has led to us topping the Social Mobility Index of English universities for the last two years. Our University Strategy sets out our ambitions for 2025, which we will achieve by using our proud heritage as a springboard and remaining steadfast in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Safeguarding

The University of Bradford is committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and Adults at Risk through robust safer recruitment practices. An enhanced DBS is required for this role. 

Directorate

The University of Bradford Nursery has been operating since April 1992 with children attending either on a full-time or part time basis. We support children of students, staff and the local community offering an inclusive and diverse environment which meets the individual needs of all our children. At the University of Bradford Nursery, we ensure that every child can thrive, develop, and build on their existing knowledge and experiences. We embed our values of respect, inclusion, trust and excellence within everything that we do, throughout our continuous provision and within our routines and provocations to learning. The University Values and Fundamental British Values are core to our values and support our commitment to promoting the welfare and safeguarding of all children within our care.

What you will be doing:

As a Casual Early Years Practitioner, you will provide flexible cover across the nursery during periods of staff absence. You will:

· Support the delivery of the Statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and nursery curriculum, in line with our values of Excellence, Trust, Innovation and Inclusion.

· Help provide a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment that supports children’s wellbeing, learning and development.

· Act as a back-up key person when required, supporting children’s care, development and progress in partnership with parents and carers.

· Undertake observations and assessments as directed, contributing to planning and supporting children’s individual next steps.

· Support children’s personal care and maintain high standards of safeguarding, health, safety and hygiene.

· Work flexibly across all nursery rooms to meet the needs of the service, including covering shifts at short notice where possible.

Qualifications/ experience:

We particularly welcome applications from candidates who hold a full and relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification.

You will need:

· English GCSE at Grade A*-C/9-4, Level 2 or an equivalent qualification.

· Experience of working with children aged from birth to five years.

· Awareness of the Statutory Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.

· Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities within an early years setting and how to report concerns.

· Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

· A flexible, reliable and cooperative approach.

Celebrating Diversity – The University of Bradford

Within our nursery we have a widely diverse staff team but there is a low representation of males, therefore we welcome applications from individuals who represent this category alongside all other applications which we consider equally.

At the University of Bradford, we recognise and embrace people that work in diverse ways so if you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.

Additional Information:

If you would like to find out more or are interested in applying, please call the nursery office on 01274 234866, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please email your CV and a covering letter outlining how your knowledge and experience meet the person specification to both:

Rochelle Smith, Nursery Manager – R.Higginbotham@bradford.ac.uk Emma Marwood, Assistant Nursery Manager – E.Marwood@bradford.ac.uk

Closing Date: 04 Oct 2026

Department: Professional Services

Salary: Paid hourly - £13.35 per hour