We do not expect you to hold a degree to work in our nurseries. However, for unqualified positions, some Early Years experience is expected. For qualified roles, a relevant qualification such as an NVQ or BTEC in Early Years is required.

The SENDCO role is vital in ensuring the best possible educational outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Practitioners with a Level 3 qualification or above may be considered for this role. If you are interested, please express your interest to the leadership team.

Many of our nurseries offer apprenticeships that enable you to gain a Level 2 or Level 3 childcare qualification while gaining valuable hands-on experience. These apprenticeships provide a great pathway into an Early Years career.

You can learn more about our apprenticeship programmes and how to apply by visiting our website: Monkey Puzzle Apprenticeships.

Early Years Practitioners spend most of their day supporting children’s learning and delivering the curriculum. Working within age group rooms, they engage with children through play, helping them develop and grow as they explore the world around them through both guided and child-led activities.

Our Practitioners work closely under the guidance of senior staff. Together, they provide the highest level of care and education for all children attending our nurseries. Following our curriculum and guidelines, they ensure every child is safe, learning, and enjoying their time with us.

At Monkey Puzzle, our Room Leaders work directly within the rooms to support inspiring learning experiences while collaborating closely with both the nursery team and management.

By bridging the gap between children and management, Room Leaders provide strong professional leadership to their room teams, ensuring every child receives the highest possible standards of care and education.

The SENCO role involves ensuring that all practitioners in the setting understand their responsibilities towards children with SEND and the setting’s approach to identifying and meeting those needs. The SENCO advises and supports colleagues, ensures parents are actively involved and that their insights shape the support provided, and liaises with external professionals and agencies to coordinate additional assistance.

The majority of our staff hold NVQ qualifications, and all team members receive training in paediatric first aid, food safety and hygiene, fire awareness, and safeguarding children. Additionally, staff undertake further training tailored to their specific roles and responsibilities to ensure the highest standards of care and safety.

Above all, working with children requires the right skills and mindset. A career in childcare is incredibly rewarding but can also present challenges, so it’s important to be well-equipped to handle whatever comes your way with confidence and ease. Here are some of the most essential skills for nursery professionals:

Communication
Since much of your time will be spent with children, colleagues, and parents, strong communication skills are vital. This means actively listening—especially as young children are still developing their communication abilities and may need extra support. Nursery staff excel at attentive listening, asking the right questions, and making children feel supported. Effective communication also includes collaborating smoothly with colleagues and engaging in open, constructive conversations with parents about their child’s growth and development.

Empathy
Young children often express strong emotions and may find socialising challenging. Empathy is crucial for understanding these experiences and adapting interactions accordingly. Nursery professionals use empathy to handle occasional conflicts fairly and sensitively, helping maintain a positive and nurturing environment for all children.

Creativity
Young children have short attention spans and thrive on play and fun rather than formal learning. Creativity allows nursery staff to design and deliver engaging, play-based activities that encourage learning and keep children interested and motivated.

Patience
Every child develops at their own pace, often needing time and gentle encouragement to complete tasks or stay focused. Patience is essential for nursery workers to remain positive and supportive, no matter how long it takes for a child to progress.

Working in childcare is more than just a job. It is an opportunity to make a real difference in children’s early experiences and education. The early years sector is one of the most rewarding and dynamic fields, where no two days are the same. If you have a passion for working with children and a strong commitment to keeping them safe, a career in childcare could be the perfect fit for you.