Experienced practitioners — we want to hear from you
We are especially interested in hearing from experienced Level 3 practitioners, Room Leaders and senior early years professionals who are ready to grow with a developing nursery group.
Why Work With Us
A Place Where Practitioners Grow
We believe great early years care starts with a great team. That's why we invest in our staff, support their development, and hold a high standard of practice every single day.
🤝 Supportive leadership
Approachable managers who back their teams, listen to ideas and lead by example.
🎯 Clear expectations
You'll always know what good looks like — no guessing, no surprises.
📚 Ongoing yearly training
Regular CPD across safeguarding, EYFS, SEND, behaviour, first aid and more.
🪜 Career progression
From apprentice to manager — we promote from within where we can.
🎓 Apprenticeship routes
Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships may be available for the right candidates.
📍 Three locations
Opportunities across Croydon, Lewisham and Bromley — find the role that fits you.
🛡️ Strong safeguarding culture
Children's welfare is at the heart of every decision and every shift.
💛 Child-centred & values-led
A genuine home-from-home environment where children feel safe, seen and celebrated.
🌱 Grow with us
Be part of a developing nursery group with real opportunities to step up.
Current Recruitment
Now Welcoming Expressions of Interest
We are currently welcoming expressions of interest from qualified and experienced early years professionals across all nursery positions. Even if there is not an immediate vacancy, we encourage strong candidates to register their interest — opportunities may become available across our three sites.
If your role isn't listed but you believe you'd be a strong fit, please still express your interest — we keep details on file for future opportunities.
Recruitment Process
What to Expect When You Apply
A clear, friendly process so you know exactly what happens after you get in touch.
Submit Expression of Interest
Complete the short form on this page or send your CV. We aim to acknowledge every submission promptly.
Phone Conversation
An informal chat to learn about your experience, what you're looking for, and to answer any early questions you have about the role.
Interview & Nursery Visit
A face-to-face interview at one of our sites, including a tour of the rooms. You'll also take part in a short trial session interacting with the children, so we can see your practice in action and you can get a real feel for the team and the environment.
Follow-up Questions
After the interview, we'll send you a few short written questions about the role and how you found the experience. This gives you space to reflect, share any further thoughts and helps us make a fair, considered decision.
Safer Recruitment Checks
Enhanced DBS, references, right-to-work, qualification verification and identity checks — in line with statutory safeguarding requirements.
Offer & Induction
A formal offer followed by a thorough induction covering safeguarding, policies, your room, key children and team introductions.
Training & Probation Review
Ongoing training from day one, with a structured probation review to give feedback, set goals and confirm long-term fit.
Career Pathways
A Clear Route to Grow
Wherever you start, we'll help you see what's next. Here's what a long-term career with Just Little Kidz can look like.
Apprentice
Earn while you learn. Develop practical skills alongside your Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, supported by experienced mentors.
Level 2 Practitioner
Deliver warm, attentive care under the EYFS. Build strong relationships with children and contribute to a happy, safe room.
Level 3 Practitioner
Plan, observe and assess children's development. Take a leading role in your key children's learning journey.
Senior Practitioner
Mentor newer staff, support planning and assessment, and uphold high practice standards across the room.
Room Leader
Lead a room day to day. Manage routines, ratios, planning, parent communication and team performance.
Deputy Manager
Support the manager across operations, safeguarding, staffing and curriculum — and step up when needed.
Nursery Manager
Lead the whole setting. Oversee Ofsted compliance, safeguarding, team development, parent partnerships and quality of provision.
Area / Operations Leadership
Support multiple nurseries across the group, drive standards and shape the future of Just Little Kidz.
Apprenticeships
Earn, Learn & Build a Career
Apprenticeships may be available for the right candidates. They're a brilliant route into early years for people who are serious about a long-term career.
📘 Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeship
An entry route for those starting their career in early years — ideal if you're new to the sector and ready to learn.
📗 Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship
For those ready to take on more responsibility, lead practice and become a qualified Early Years Educator.
🧑🏫 Mentoring
Apprentices are supported by experienced practitioners who model best practice every day.
📅 Clear expectations
Reliable attendance, punctuality, on-time coursework and professional conduct are non-negotiable.
🌱 Future opportunities
Strong apprentices may be considered for permanent roles after successful completion.
🤝 Real support
You'll never be left to figure it out alone — we want our apprentices to succeed.
Professional Development
Training That Keeps You Growing
Our team completes regular training across the year to keep skills sharp and practice strong. Areas we cover include:
- Safeguarding and child protection
- Paediatric first aid
- Food hygiene
- Health and safety
- SEND and inclusion
- Behaviour support and developing minds
- EYFS curriculum and observation
- Planning and assessment
- Communication with parents
- Manual handling (where required)
- Fire safety
- Prevent duty
- GDPR and confidentiality
- Leadership training for senior staff
Our Culture
The Standards We Expect
Children deserve the best — and that starts with a team that takes pride in what they do. Here's what we expect from every member of staff, every day.
- Children's safety comes first, always
- Arrive on time and ready to work
- Speak to children with warmth, respect and patience
- Follow safeguarding procedures at all times
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Communicate clearly with parents and colleagues
- Keep rooms clean, safe and engaging
- Follow the EYFS and nursery routines
- Complete observations, planning and records as required
- Be reliable, reflective and open to feedback
- Work as part of a team
- Represent Just Little Kidz professionally
- Protect confidentiality at all times
- Take pride in appearance, conduct and attitude
Ideal Candidates
Who We're Looking For
If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you.
- Passionate about working with children
- Reliable and punctual
- Safeguarding-aware
- Positive and reflective
- A genuine team player
- Able to build strong relationships
- Calm under pressure
- Willing to learn and grow
- Professional in communication
- Committed to high-quality early years practice
🛡️ Safer Recruitment Statement
Just Little Kidz is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks, including interview, references, identity checks, right to work checks and an enhanced DBS check where applicable.
Get in Touch
Express Your Interest
Tell us a little about yourself and what you're looking for. If your skills and experience match our current or future opportunities, a member of our team will be in touch.
Ready to grow with us?
If you are passionate about early years, serious about safeguarding, and ready to make a difference, we would love to hear from you.
Express Interest