Childcare Practitioner - 37 hours per week

Job Introduction

Starting salary for this role is £28,598 (pro rata for part-time colleagues)

This role sits within a well defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly #BeTheDifference at BCP.

Internal colleagues are also normally appointed at the bottom of the band, unless moving within the same profession and skill level, where the pay band is the same they can be appointed to the existing pay point.

Learn more in our ‘More than just a job’ brochure on our careers site.

Role Purpose

Little Explorers is a full day care nursery in Christchurch, Dorset based on the same site as Christchurch Hub. We provide care and education for child aged from 3 months to 4 years. We are open from 8-6pm, 5 days a week and offer both term time and all year round childcare for local families.

Main Responsibilities

• We are excited to be appointing a maternity cover Childcare Practitioner Post commencing 17th August 2026.
• This is a full-time position (37 hours per week) and we are seeking a practitioner who has a natural passion and flair to help every child achieve to their fullest capacity.
• We are seeking team players that are flexible, reliable, patient, and fun, and whom have a solid understanding of the EYFS and willingness to develop their professional skills.
• We offer a diverse environment which supports children of all abilities, and opportunities to develop professional skills through training.
• We offer a range of employee benefits as we are a BCP Council owned nursery.

The Ideal Candidate

• The ideal candidate will be a dedicated and compassionate Childcare Practitioner who seeks to provide high-quality care and educational experiences to young children.
• The ideal candidate will embrace a positive team environment to promote a culture of continuous improvement. They will be able to work collaboratively with colleagues to provide a safe and enabling environment in which all children can play, learn, and develop to reach their full potential.
• The ideal candidate will demonstrate a positive attitude towards change, ensuring that learning opportunities are creative and appropriate and be proactive in engaging in CPD opportunities and staff meetings.
• The ideal candidate will have a robust understanding of the EYFS and support the day-to-day running of the nursery.
• The ideal candidate will be aware of children’s special educational needs and disabilities, and work with other staff and external agencies to support these children effectively, actively championing inclusion and diversity.
• The candidate will be able to comply with all decisions, policies and standing orders of the Council and any relevant statutory requirements, including the Equality Act, the Health and Safety at Work Act and Data Protection Act.

For more information please contact sally.hobbs@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work.

We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.

From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need.

It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer please see here: Preparing for your interview | Working for BCP

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits

A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council

At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.

Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at Employee benefits | Working for BCP

Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you

More About us | Working for BCP

DBS

BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check.